Steg Stories

Time

2011-12-31T08:24:00.002-05:00

I've been back in the workforce for 4 months now.I was ready to get back in the swing of things. While I was off, I took for granted my free time. I got to take care of my father as he withered away as Cancer took his life only 1 month later. The next 3 months I lived with my mother helping my sister nurse my mother back to health after his death.
After that, I was able to bike ride, motorcycle ride, visit my kids, see my grandkids, and workout whenever I wanted.Life was so fun, except for the fact that I didn't have a job. Lor carried the financial load as I struggled to find work.
Then my father-in-law got sick. He moved in with us.I cared for him for 3 months full time while Lor worked. I got to know my father in law rather well during this time.
Working on the kids homes was a definite highlight of my time off. It is time I will always remember.
As my mom said, "After 2 years of what you've been through, you deserve to get a job." This was probably my favorite 2 years of my life.I actually felt like I was doing what God had planned for me.
Well, I got the job. I forgot how time consuming work is. I have no time to read, bike ride or anything that I took for granted during my time off work. I'm starting to ask myself the question Do I live to work? or do I work to live?
I guess I waste as much time as anybody, but I've come to realize how precious time is. In 2012 I want to:
-see my children more
-see my grandkids more
-see my wife more (vacation time)
-read more
-volunteer more
-work out more+eat less
I really want to learn to use my time wisely right after I take a nice long nap.
Blessings and Happy New Year
Steg

CD's- How are your Returns?

2011-08-04T10:46:00.002-04:00

CD's, 401K's, and IRA's seem to consume much of my time lately. The returns I am getting are downright pitiful.Yet I continue to try to find a way to change their results. It's not going that well.Looking around , it appears that most people to be driven by the almighty dollar. I know,Iknow, we do need money to exist in this world, but after all it's just paper. I used to make a lot more money, had a bigger 401K account, but was I truely happy? I was consumed by making money, raising kids, college funds and vacation funds, reinvesting CD's on and on.Not that these are bad things, but I lost my true focus on life.
A better investment that always pays is Christ's love for us. No matter how bad the market is,his love and grace is always there. As we struggle to lead a christian life(our investment), we always get a good return(God's love and grace).
So rather than getting down and out with todays ugly world,I choose to strive to live a christian life and enjoying Christ's dividends.
I'm finally getting job nibbles and will follow where I am lead. I'll keep you posted
How are your returns on your Christ Deposits?
Blssings,
Steg

Feeling Bad

2011-07-03T21:17:00.002-04:00

The past few days I have felt like a zombie. Head congestion. headache. sore throat,Coughing out of control, occasional gagging, low grade fever are a few of my symptoms.
For the past three years, either Lori or myself hhave gotten really bad colds the week after hosting middle schoolers for a week during SOS. Coincidence, maybe, but I'm wondering if our resistance is down from the lack of sleep that week. On the otherhand, we all know teenagers. One minute they're picking their noses and the next moment their hand is buried in the popcorn bowl. Whatever the cause, it really has me down.Like all sicknesses, the during the night is the worse part of the day..........BTW ..I just dry heaved 15 times in a row. My sinuses seem to dump in my throat way too fast to cough and break it up.I hate to call a doctor on a holiday weekend so I'll just man-up for another day. I admit I am a baby when I am sick.
Pass the coughdrops and a puke bag.

Blessings,
Steg

Life in the Fast Lane

2011-06-17T10:16:00.004-04:00

Life to me, as an old guy, I thought was going to slow down. That is not the case. Actually, it has sped up. I find myself in chase mode most of the time. I now have more time on my hands with the kids gone and being out of work, but I always have something needing my attention. Where have the days gone where I would hop on my motorcyle and take a 2 hour ride? I haven't been bicycling all day yet this year. I haven't taken any 8 mile walks at Miami Whitewater this year. We haven't camped but once this year.----Time---
This makes me ask myself. Has time sped up or have I slowed down? Have my priorities changed that much? Were they changed for the better or for the worse? Has my life improved or declined? Who actually likes Lebron anyway? I need to rethink the ways that I spend my time.Do I pray enough? Do I read the bible enough? Do I volunteer enough? Am I a good husband? father? grandfather? neighbor? sparring partner?
I need to take control of time and make it work the way I choose. I'm wasting too much time on this computer-thats for sure.
I'm going to modify my life plan. Are you?

Blessings
Steg

Feeling Wierd

2011-03-31T09:05:00.003-04:00

Ok, I've been in a wierd mood lately.Still without a job, I'm starting to notice people looking at me differently. They give me the bowing the head, batting the eyes thing. This doesn't make me feel any better. It just pisses me off. I'm a man-treat me like one.Yes ,I want a job, more than you can imagine but, don't give me pity-just treat me like everybody else. I hear you. You're saying "He's getting sensitive after 2 years of unemployment". Actually ,I am getting hardened on how the world operates and looks at old farts like me. I'm happy so do me a favor-don't piss on my parade.Remember this--if you mess with the bull, eventually you will get the horn.

Peace
Steg

I'm Being Tested

2011-01-30T22:09:00.004-05:00

Lately, I've been busy juggling all sorts of projects. I think I've been doing a fairly decent job. I feel like I'm being tested by God. I've been feeling it as well as hearing from him in my prayer time. Every time I stumble or get short with somebody, I find myself feeling really unsure if I am doing what God has planned for me.I'm not having a problem listening. My problem is worrying about what others think.This should be the last of my concerns. I know the only thing that matters is what God thinks of my life.
I guess when it comes down to it, my life is no different than anyone else's. We all have doubts and struggles that we deal with daily, but I sometimes get too busy that I start second guessing myself.
Like I always told my kids, if you do your best, thats all that can be expected of us. God doesn't put anything on us that he can't handle.
I guess being tested by God is a good thing- That means that he is in my life . I love tests now.

Blessings
Steg

My 3 BFF'S

2011-01-27T06:42:00.003-05:00

I know it sounds corny, but you three individuals are my best friends.You keep me on my toes. Had it not been for you guys, I wouldn't know how to use a computer.I wouldn't have anyone to laugh at my jokes. I just love hanging out with you guys. You just make my heart smile.I enjoy 1 on 1 time as well as group time with you. It is so neat as a father to see each of your kids grow up into responsible adults. I am so happy to be part of your lives. This is something in the past that I have taken for granted , but recently I realized this is a privelege and not a given. As I grow older , I am starting to look in the rear view mirror as to what changes I still need to make in my life, and although there are many, I still enjoy the view.
Thank you kids for making me proud. I love you guys so much. No, I don't have some serious disease, I just wanted to put this out there. Please continue making a difference in this ugly world. God has your back, and so do I.

Blessings
Daddy Steg

14 Years of Love- Our Minpin

2011-01-13T10:40:00.003-05:00

This 4lb. minpin has been a member of our family for 14 years now. She's almost blind and deaf, but still captures our hearts with her courage and snuggle up ways. She sleeps most of the day except for pee breaks. Yes she is still comtinent.I just thought I owed her a tribute. Here's to Zoey Stegman. You will always be loved,(She's not dead.) I thought it would be easier to write this while she is still alive and well

Blessings
Steg

Romans 12-

2011-01-10T17:53:00.003-05:00

I have decided to read Romans 12 every morning before getting out of bed for the next 7 days. It addresses many things that I need to work on in my everyday life.

Romans 12 (The Message)

Romans 12
Place Your Life Before God
1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
3I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.

4-6In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.

6-8If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.

9-10Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

11-13Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

14-16Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

17-19Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

20-21Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

The Message (MSG)

Blessings Steg

Winter Wonderland: Jason Mraz

2011-01-10T11:19:00.000-05:00

This relaxes me

Blessings
Steg

Goodbye Holidays

2011-01-06T10:09:00.002-05:00

Man am I glad these days are over.I can do without this for another year.I'm going to eat right for the next year.Come on Fam--I need encouragement on this.

Blessings,
Steg

2010-The Steg 4

2011-01-04T09:52:00.002-05:00

2010 was a tough year for me personally.In January, Joel Michael Stegman was born as a 4th generation Stegman.Preceeded by great grandfather Don,grandpa Mark, and father Josh were all here to welcome into the family.He is destined to be a great family leader.What a great addition he is as the #2 grandchild. He's a great compliment to his sister Lydia.
In February , the clouds darkened as my father was found to have cancer in virtually every organ in his body. !0 years earlier, he was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma and given 2-3 months to live. With a year of intense therapy, he extended his life 10 years(thru the grace of God).My sister and I cared for him in the hospital, at home in hospice and back in the hospital for the next 30 days.Not knowing where my dad was in his faith was agonizing.I was afraid to upset him. 2 days prior to death, The family gathered at his bedside and Zak sang worship songs as we all joined in.The last form of communication my dad made with us was a smile and a thumbs up to Zak as he played.This tore me up.I then felt that he saw and felt God(at least I hope so). He died 2 days later. I spent the next 2 months living with my mother and sister helping get mom back on her feet. Her health drastically declined but eventually was restored.
The month of June was spent with Lori. We went to Ichthus and served there with 20 teenagers from VCC. It was a great time with good music. It was great being around the younger kids and interacting with them,It was a great 4 days of camping.
Later that month, we did SOS, hosting 6 boys at our home for a week.Every day there were different outreaches that I helped facilitate.This is my favorite time of the year.Hearing Zak lead worship every day of this week is iceing on the cake.
Chloe, Krissy's dog joined the family.She will make a great playmate for ollie.
The month of july was spent cutting my mom's, our's and the in-laws lawns.I also babysat Ollie and Chloe while Krissy vacationed in Maine and had a seminar to attend for school.
In August Zak and CC went to Ireland on a business/vacation trip. They were gone 3 weeks and were missed by all.
In September, Zak and CC announced that a baby Wolfgang was on the way.#3 wow.
Started October with me and Jessie getting older. Me -55, Jessie-??.haha
We had our first and hopefully many more to come camping trip at 3 Trees. It was a great time hiking, campfires and s'mores.
November brought new employment to Josh. This was a very exciting time for all of us. (answered prayer). Krissy carved another notch in the tree with a birthday celebration.
Lori and I attended the Greenhills Lighting of the trees with Krissy. Ken Riley said he was looking for our annual video.
Wally(Lori's dad) joined us in our home to recover from a fall and the family managed to complete our 2010 christmas video before Zak and CC headed to Florida forn the holidays.
It has been a busy year for all. God has blesed us with good health and we thank him for that.I want to thank my family and friends for all the love and support given me this year.

As Lyd Says
Love You,Boingy

Steg

Recession Over?

2010-09-20T12:07:00.002-04:00

I keep reading reports that say the recession is over. Really? My family, neighbors,Kroger cashiers,and Speedway cashiers all disagree. Obamacare is kicking in this week. It should be interesting to see how many people it helps and how many it hurts. I think I have accepted the fact that things will never be like they were before I lost my job.Employers are still dragging their feet hiring because of uncertainty of the economy. I can't find a job in my field or even out of my field for that matter.I am at that awkward age where I'm either considered a liability or over qualified because of my age.What do I do now--Sill working on it.All I ask is for stability in the market for a few months straight so I can find something. Maybe the country's recession is over , but mine isn't.Is your recession over?

Blessings
Steg

15/15 Favorite Artists Then and Now

2010-09-16T16:00:00.003-04:00

Back Then favorite artists ( no special order)
1.)Janis Joplin
2.)Jimi Hendrix
3.)Eric Clapton
4.)Humble Pie
5.)Rare Earth
6.)Ray Charles
7.)Chicago
7.)Beach Boys
8.)Robin Trower
9.)Grand Funk Railroad
10.)Who
11.)Led Zeppelin
12.)Crosby,Stills,Nash and Young
13.)ACDC
14.)Creedence Clearwater Revival
15.)Jethro Tull

Now Favorite artists (no special order)
1.)Chris Tomlin
2.)Hillsong
3.)David Crowder Band
4.)Zak Stegman
5.)Jeremy Riddle
6.)Kim Walker
7.)Coldplay
8.)Incubus
9.)Jars of Clay
10.)Mutemath
11.)Kate Miner
12.)Switchfoot
13.)Norah Jones
14.)Creed
15.)Nirvana

Just my opinion.
Blessings
Steg

Signs

2010-08-17T16:09:00.003-04:00

Today's signs lead us thru life. Stop, curve ahead, school zone, deer crossing, etc. In our cars, it is very similar. When the oil light starts flashing we know we are going to encounter engine damage unless we add oil. Fasten seat belt chime reminds us if we don't wrinkle our shirt or dress by fastening it , we may have a wrinkled face for life after we eat the steering wheel in a car crash. Bright lights-means don't blind oncoming cars. Low fuel means get gas soon or be ready to walk.
This new one pictured above will be seen in all vehicles. It is a warning that your tire pressure is 25% below the recommended pressure. In other words, wives tell your husbands to add air for you . Not only will this guarantee a good safe ride , but you will also get better gas mileage. Just thought you'd like to know

Peace
Steg

Facebook

2010-08-16T21:51:00.002-04:00

I check up on friends, old classmates, relatives, neighbors, coworkers, people I like, people I dislike. Facebook does it all. Its the best thing available when you are bored and have time to waste. Come to think of it, I seem to get sucked in even when I don't have time to waste. It amazes me how I always have time for facebook, but I never seem to have enough time and energy to read the bible regularly, work out regularly, and serve others regularly.
Facebook is addicting if you let it get you. Well it has me , but I've finally realized how much time I waste daily on it. It is my fill in when I am in between projects. From now on I will only play around on facebook after my daily routine is complete. Twittering doesn't count though.

Smoking

2010-06-30T20:50:00.002-04:00

Since when do 2 year olds smoke? Todays society truely scares me. What is going to happen when this generation becomes adults in 16 or so years? I'll be 70 years old . What kind of healthcare will we have? I don't know what tomorrow will bring let alone 16 years from now.
I need a job-----any suggestions?

Forgiveness

2010-05-30T14:39:00.002-04:00

How come it is so easy to forget something for awile , but so hard to forgive.When we run into someone from our past that hurt us, the heart beats faster, blood pressure rises and it seems like the incident just happened. I forgot about it a year ago ,but now I'm all fired up. Why did I listen to the message when I recognized the phone number? Why can't I let it go? I want to return the call, but I know that is the wrong move.All of a sudden I can't fogive and forget. Now I have 2 problems.
#1. I just need to acknowledge that the person that called is a suck up, brownnoser, and busybody who gathers info from people and uses it against them later. This person has always been like this so I must just let it go.
#2.I need to be the bigger person and let it go. After all he's the athiest and I'm the christian. That's how its supposed to happen
OK God, I get it now , I just had to write it out. Now I get it. Thanks for listening, and thanks for being there for me regardless of how goofy I act. It amazes me how you're always ther to pick me up, dust me off and send me back on my way.

Blessings,
Steg

SOS 2010 DANCE-ALONG TRAINING VIDEO

2010-05-19T17:59:00.000-04:00

It's time to get ready.

Grandchildren

2010-02-01T18:41:00.003-05:00

Raising our children over the past 30 years has been both frustrating and rewarding. In my opinion, staying involved in your childrens life fulltime is a must. Even after coming home from work after a 12 hour day, we took the time to stay tuned in to what was going on in our children's lives. I know people who took the easy way out and just let their childens lives to be put on the back burner and the majority of them have messed up children. You have to walk the walk as well as talk the talk. Let's face the facts. If we carry on cursing, drinking,being disrespectful to the wife,---guess what? This is teaching your kids and more than likely they will take your behavior as what is expected of them. There are just too many irresponsible parents .
Our work to mentor our grandchildren doesn't stop just because our children are raised. Being a grandparent is a privalege.Being a good grandparent is a duty. I hope many more are in my future.

Looks Aren't Everything

2010-01-19T17:36:00.002-05:00

Some people creep me out. I guess that's why I'm so opinionated about tattoos, piercings, wierd hair and strange clothing.They say first impressions are very important.This guy could control the eye thing a little bit, but he obviously uses it for shock effect as do tatooed peeps. Some people born that way or after an accident, I obviously feel sorry for, but people that exagerate their looks for shock value or attention really get to me. God made us and we should take care of ourselves. Why do we want to correct God? Am I out of line or what?

Blessings
Steg

One Highlight from 2009

2010-01-12T13:48:00.003-05:00

2009 was a year like I've never experienced before. After 34 years of working and providing for the family came to an end in March, oddly enough on Josh and Jessie's anniversary, I was lost. I quickly adjusted by working on Kris' house, helping with her first year of yardwork and the preparation of her new dog Ollie. Lydia's first birthday was great. I started to realize life goes on and I rolled with it. Summer came fast and Zak married CC. It was fun working on Zak's house from Holloween thru the end of the year. It was both fun and exhausting.Christmas came and went. New Years came and went as did the Bengals and UC.
I'm gearing up my job hunting and volunteering more. God has a plan-I'm still waiting for it to come into focus. I hope 2010 goes as well as 2009. Joel is due in 2 weeks. Now thats a good start to 2010.I can't believe this old bag of bones will become a grandfather for the second time already. Bring them on as Lor says.

Blessings
Steg

Outside Looking In

2009-12-30T13:32:00.002-05:00

It's been nine months since I lost my job. I have enjoyed working on the kids houses, Zak's wedding, a daughter in law addition, a new dog for Kris and a new set of wheels. While everyone is out working, I've kept busy volunteering, working around the house, working out, finally getting rid of my kidney stones, and reading. The problem is that I always feel like an outsider looking in. I feel detached. I know God has a plan for me , but I am ready to finally see it. This year has been a long one. I've never felt like an outsider like I now do. Being in management when I worked, I always had control of my job. It has been hard being patient and waiting for God to reveal his plan to me. Lets get on with it, I;m not getting any younger here.

Blessings
Steg

I Snore, But you Better Not Hit Me

2009-12-04T17:34:00.002-05:00

I thought I would share this since I snore so bad. On vacations , Krissy would sleep in the bathtub of our hotel room with the fart fan on to avoid my snoring. I guess thats better than striking me while I'm sleeping

.Fla. teen allegedly attacks dad for loud snoring

OLDSMAR, Fla. – A Florida teenager has been charged with assaulting his father, reportedly because the man was snoring too loudly. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office reported that the teen, 18, first threw a magazine at his father, who was sleeping on a living room couch Tuesday evening. When that didn't work, deputies said the teen pushed his father onto the floor and punched him in the face.

The father was checked out at a nearby hospital as a precaution.

The teen was arrested and charged with domestic battery. He was released from jail Wednesday.

___

Information from: St. Petersburg Times, http://tampabay.com

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Holidays. Remember to keep Christ in Christmas. It is the season for giving not receiving.

Blessings
Steg

.

It's Been Awhile

2009-11-24T09:07:00.002-05:00

Busy,busy,busy. This more or less sums up my life since my last post.Her are some highlights:
1) Zak and CC closed on their house
2)Kris dog has learned the sit command--he also gained 5 lbs.
3)My body is finally clear of kidney stones after 3 surgeries.
4) Josh spends more time in Chicago than he does at home.
5)I now drive a truck rather than my bicycle or motorcycle.
6)I spend more time working at Zaks than I spend on my own.
7)The leaves are off the trees and now the lights from the new street in our backyard shine in my eyes when I watch tv.
8)Turkeyfest has come and gone.
9)Swine Flu is a real deal
10)Who Dey has become part of my everyday language.
11)I finished painting at my moms house after 8 months of delays.
On my day off today, I'm cleaning carpets, cutting grass, and raking leaves

Who Dey,
Steg

To Follow Or Not To Follow

2009-10-27T09:57:00.002-04:00

In this pic Lyd chooses to follow Zoey at the campground. She, by faith trusts the dog and chooses to follow. Throughout most of our lives we live day to day trying by ourselves to take control of everyday life. We seem to take things for granted and become daily problem solvers.We get bogged down with struggles and frustration causes us to lash out at loved ones and others. Why do we think we can fix ourselves and others? We spend way too much time worrying and being concerned with what our neighbors are saying and doing. Much of our time is spent on ourselves. It turns out that most of us are selfish. We want our lives to be better than others.
Wow, have we missed the boat or what? Instead of leading lives all about "me", maybe we should reevaluate. We should take that leap of faith, listen and read the word of God, and follow him. We should work thru him with others , by not just focussing on our own problems. We need to use the gifts that God has provided us with and use them for the good of the world. We need to stop being so self centered and help others. We need to stop worrying and start praying.
How come it's so easy the think and write down God's plan , but so hard to execute it? I need to pick up my cross and follow Jesus. Sounds like a plan thats worth following.

Blessings
Steg

Life Is Good

2009-10-12T12:03:00.005-04:00

Life in the Steg Fam is good.Our granddaughter is growing up so fast and has brought much love to the fam. Life is good.
Josh and Jessie are working with the infants at church and making an impact on the small ones. Life is good.
Jessie is carrying our grandson and due after the first of the year. Life is good.
Zak and CC are recovering from the flu(whew) and making an impact on Jr. High kids by mentoring and teaching. Life is good.
CC is a new addition to our family this year. Life is good.
Krissy brought 20 of her students to serve at the Prom and working in student ministries helping impact our youth. Life is good.
Lori and I are working at church doing alpha. I think I benefit as much as our table participants do. Life is good.
The purpose of this post is not to brag about my family. I am doing what I think all people need to do and that is looking at how God is working in our lives. I want to keep God as the common denominator that continues to be a working force in my life. By surrendering our lives to God and giving him all our worries and concerns in life, and remembering he doesnt put anything on us that he cant handle, we can continue to serve him and be a possitive impact on other people's lives. Life is Good.
Take some time everyday to see if your Life is Good With God. Make the change. Its not too late.

Life is Good
Steg

Fall

2009-10-06T09:19:00.002-04:00

It's that time of year when squirrels are gathering nuts(see picture) getting ready for winter. Football is in full swing(who-dey). Temperatures are cooling down and we can see the end of grasscutting in the near future. Last night I heard there is a chance of snow next week.I celebrated a birthday yesterday and the day was perfect with the kids, parents and wife watching football on a nice cool day. It doesn't get any better than this.
As it gets darker earlier and the time changes, the days just slow down. Our bodies also adjust to the shorter days.I seem to sleep better because there are less distractions. Snuggling up around a fire presents perfect peace to me. I'm going to build a fire right now.There is nothing like the smell of campfire smoke and the warmth that accompanies it.I can't believe how cold it was on my motorcycle just a short time ago. Its time to warm up. Later

Blessings
Steg

Hunger

2009-09-30T08:38:00.002-04:00

As many of you already know, I was hospitalized last week with kidney stones. One was too large to pass so I had surgery to have the stone pushed back up in my kidney. A stent was placed in the kidney down thru the bladder. This keeps the huge stone in the kidney so urine flow is not interrupted. The morphine,demerol and stronger drugs as well as being put under for surgery have messed up my system. When I came home last week I puked all over the driveway, Which brings me to my point. With the stent rubbing on the wall of my bladder,kidney, and peeing blood, my appetite has been nonexistant. Don't get me wrong, from a weight standpoint I'm not complaining, but the constant queezy feeling is getting old.
This burger,consistimg of 4 quarter pound patties,12 onion rings, and 8 strips of bacon makes me dry heave. Give it a week. My surgery to blast the stones is scheduled for tomorrow. Hopefully next week I'll give one of you a call to share this burger with me. Any Volunteers? Say a prayer that the stone blasting goes ok so I can make it to the Prom.

Blessings
Steg

To Spank or Not to Spank

2009-09-21T11:48:00.002-04:00

ATTENTION: This blog is not encouraged nor endorsed by any members of the Stegman family.It is strictly the opinion of the writer.

I am a supporter of spanking an unruly child. Let me point out the steps I take prior to the act. They are:
1. tell the child what they are doing wrong and ask them to stop.
2.tell the child the consequences that will happen if the behavior continues.
3.pull the child aside in private. No public humiliation. Explain to child why you are inforcing this discipline, tell them you love them, bend them over, and in a controlled manner let them have it. Tell them you love them and leave them alone to process.
4.Never strike in face, limbs. Buttocks is the target. To assure extra protection cover your kids back with you other arm to protect the kids kidneys.If the child jerks you will hit your arm instead of their back.
5.Make this a team effort with you spouse. If kids see disagreement on the punishment it will confuse the issue.
6.Always point out how you dislike and upset that the punishment is carried out.
7.After the spanking occurs, the punishment is over. Go back to normal activities.
8.You only dicipline your own child in this way! If you're having problems with another persons child return the child to the parents and express your concerns. Walk away. Your job is done .It is the Parents responsibility to discipline.Never forget this!

Why am I blogging about this? I saw some guy on tv telling how he never ever spanked his kids and thought it was a phase all kids go thru. Bullying, striking others, other acting out things that kids do are not phases. They are the beginning of bad habits that can lead to tragic results. Now this father is visiting his adult child in prison.

Nobody's perfect. These are just my thoughts. I cant believe I'm pushing the publish post button after commenting on this subject. This is my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

Blessings
Steg

Old News/Budget Cuts/Me

2009-09-17T16:46:00.004-04:00

I don't know about you, but I'm sick and tired of hearing about budget cuts. After all, budget cuts are what cost me my job. All areas have been hit by these cuts and that helps take the sting out of my unemployment. It reinforces the fact that "Its not about me."
This concept is what I have struggled with for most of my life. I think I can honestly say I'm living evryday now constantly thinking what I can do for others. I need to volunteer more and make sure I don't fall back in my old ways. These past 6 months have really helped me grow.
Like I always say 'Quit Whining". I think I blogged about this some time ago. Have a good day and focus on doing something for someone else today.

Blessings
Steg

Jason Whitlock "Serena's a Whiner, Jordan's a Winner

2009-09-14T16:09:00.004-04:00

I copied this article from Jason Whitlock. He made some interesting points.

So Serena thinks we saw her passion for tennis Saturday night.

I saw cowardice.

I saw the character flaw that prevents Serena Williams from taking her rightful place alongside Michael Jordan as one of the greatest champions of all time.

In an absolutely crazy, busy and fabulous sports weekend, two moments stood out: 1. Serena Williams' match-point meltdown in her U.S. Open semifinals clash with Kim Clijsters; 2. Michael Jordan's raw, in-your-face, take-no-prisoners Hall of Fame induction speech.

Serena and Jordan are both being crucified for their alleged classless behavior. Only one deserves it, the one who issued the gutless apology on Sunday.

"(Saturday) night everyone could truly see the passion I have for my job," Williams said in a press release. "Now that I have had time to gain my composure, I can see that while I don't agree with the unfair line call, in the heat of battle I let my passion and emotion get the better of me and as a result handled the situation poorly. I would like to thank my fans and supporters for understanding that I am human and I look forward to continuing the journey, both professionally and personally, with you all as I move forward and grow from this experience."

But we've grown used to Serena belittling her competition.

Serena has been so emotionally coddled and crippled by her enablers, including irresponsible and irrational television commentator John McEnroe, that she mistakes embarrassing displays of poor sportsmanship as passion and competitive fire.

Someone get her a copy of Jordan's Hall of Fame speech.

Jordan's rambling and possibly cocktail-inspired acceptance rant has been misinterpreted by the media. We didn't like it. It wasn't gracious or spiced with false humility. Jordan declined the high road and traveled the bone honest one.

In graphic detail, he explained the slights — real, exaggerated and imagined — that fueled his competitive fire. He gave us a peek behind the curtain, a look at what drove the greatest competitor in our lifetime. I overlooked his missteps. He's a basketball player, not a motivational speaker. He spoke without a map. His words were not measured or chosen to create the impression he was anything beyond a competitive son of a bitch.

Serena and many of her groupies see the foot-fault call that put Clijsters at match point as a continuation of the inherent racial bias that has plagued Serena's entire tennis career. And perhaps it is. Life is inherently unfair, and a country-club sport like tennis is more racially unfair than most.

How does a top competitor with limitless talent respond to unfairness?

Serena's big meltdown Photos: It was a wild night at the U.S. Open. Check out these shots of Serena Williams' loud exit at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Jordan chose to destroy his challengers and shame the people who propped them up with never-before-seen on-court excellence.

No doubt, racial bias played a role in Buzz Peterson being named North Carolina's high school player of the year over Jordan in 1981. Friday night, Jordan talked about how he roomed with Peterson at UNC and set out to prove Peterson's inferiority. Jordan said he didn't care about the infamous NBA All Star freeze-out allegedly orchestrated by Isiah Thomas and other black players. Jordan said the rumor only made him work harder to prove to his peers that he deserved the attention and acclaim he received at an early age.

Jordan took shots at the high school coach who didn't let him play varsity as a sophomore, Jerry Krause for valuing the franchise more than the players who powered the Bulls, Dean Smith for leaving him off a Sports Illustrated cover and Bryon Russell for daring to say he could defend Air Jordan.

Jordan wasn't a whiner. He was a competitor. He was old school, a reminder of the values that created the social progress and freedom too many black athletes now take for granted.

Kicking ass and taking names earns far more respect than take-my-ball-and-racket-go-home tantrums. No one respects a crybaby, especially one with more ability than everyone else.

Clijsters put a clown suit on Serena. Two-and-a-half years after retiring to have a baby and in her first major since her return, she wiped the court with the self-described No. 1 player. Rather than take her beating like a a grown-ass woman, Serena first smashed her racket and then sacrificed match point with a ridiculous tirade directed at the line judge.

Everybody knows damn well Serena has no business losing a major to a baby's mama. And everyone knows damn well if Serena dropped 20 pounds and focused on her game, she'd be untouchable.

But rather than focus on her unrealized potential, McEnroe and Serena's other groupies want to pretend that calling a foot fault late in a match that Serena was clearly losing was some sort of hate crime worthy of Serena making a fool of herself.

The foot fault didn't cost Serena the U.S. Open. Just like nearly every other loss in her career, Serena's unwillingness to compete at her highest level led to the defeat.

Get on with your life. Use the tools that God provided you with and become a winner not a whiner.

Blessings
Steg

Texting

2009-08-27T10:41:00.003-04:00

Texting does have its time and place, but so many hazards accompany a texter. Texting while operating cars, motorcycles, and lawn mowers is absolutely stupid. Not only are you putting yourself in danger, but those around you usually suffer. Texting in school or at work is wrong also. Todays younger people have ruined texting. It seems to now be a way of life. This idiot in the video should be banned from driving for life. If we chopped off his fingers he'd probably resort to using his nose or ----. Stay safe out there

Blessings
Steg

The Story Behind the Song "How He Loves Us"

2009-08-17T13:51:00.004-04:00

My kids just told me the story behind the song How he loves us.It has preoccupied me for days now and thought I would publish it so I could refer to it time and again. That's all I need to say about this post other than this other video of Kim Walker is my favorite version to date and I'm wearing out my ipod playing it.
Bottom Line: Oh How He Loves Us.

Enjoy
Blessings
Steg

Not Yogi the Bear--- Yogi the Yankee

2009-08-11T10:33:00.004-04:00

This old fart(Yogi Berra) was a catcher for the New York Yankees for many years . The press loved him. He was always good for a quote.He just said exactly what he meant. He didn't sugar cote anything.
Some of my favorite Yogiisms are:
A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore.

All pitchers are liars or crybabies.

Always go to other people's funerals, otherwise they won't come to yours.

Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.

Congratulations. I knew the record would stand until it was broken.

Even Napoleon had his Watergate.

Half the lies they tell about me aren't true.

He hits from both sides of the plate. He's amphibious.

How can you think and hit at the same time?

I always thought that record would stand until it was broken.

I just want to thank everyone who made this day necessary.

I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?

I never said most of the things I said.

I think Little League is wonderful. It keeps the kids out of the house.

I wish I had an answer to that because I'm tired of answering that question.

I'm a lucky guy and I'm happy to be with the Yankees. And I want to thank everyone for making this night necessary.

I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did.

If people don't want to come out to the ball park, nobody's gonna stop 'em.

If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be.

If you ask me anything I don't know, I'm not going to answer.

If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.

In baseball, you don't know nothing.

In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is.

It ain't over till it's over
.
the heat, it's the humility.

It gets late early out there.

It was impossible to get a conversation going, everybody was talking too much.

It's like deja-vu, all over again.

It's pretty far, but it doesn't seem like it.

Little League baseball is a very good thing because it keeps the parents off the streets.

Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded.

Slump? I ain't in no slump... I just ain't hitting.

I hope you all have a wonderful day and remember what Yogi said. "If you come to a fork in the road, take it."

Blessings
Steg

80

2009-08-05T10:52:00.002-04:00

This past week my father reached the 80 years old milestone. He took me to my first baseball practice. He converted to catholicism so he could help coach my football team.He went to all my basketball practices and never missed a track meet. I realize how lucky I am to have a father able to make it to all my sporting events, banquets,graduations and vacations.
We would take the motorcycles to Florida and cruise Daytona. We went to car races both nascar and indy. We went to time trials and at one time he owned a small share of an indy car.
After I grew up, he went to all 3 kids games and graduations. There is much to be learned from a man of 80 years.There are times in my life(at 53) that I don't have a clue. Hopefully I am growing wiser as I age. So if you see the old man around tell him "Happy 80". He's a good one.

Blessings
Steg

I'm Lost

2009-07-29T09:53:00.002-04:00

I have an empty feeling in me that I just can't seem to shake.I am so used to people depending on me not just financially, physically, or emotionally. I had coworkers depend on me daily. My kids depended on me. My wife depended on me. It was a great feeling. It was what drove me. Now that the kids are grown and have houses of their own channges things. Now that my wife works full time while I continue to hunt for a job and is basically self sufficient changes things. I was kind of like a mailman for 32 years. I delivered daily. Now I feel kind of lost in the shuffle of life.
I'm not depressed, lonely or having a pity party, I'm just pointing out the shift my life has taken and me trying to adjust to it. Where do I go from here? I'm staying busy working around the house, reading the bible daily(I've recently resumed this), and working out regularly.
I just wonder how to get back in the swing of life and able to feel like I'm part of it. I am on the outside looking in. Somehow I need to get on the inside looking out. I need to get rid of this lost feeling. Its taken me 4 months to put this into words. Hopefully its my first step climbing out of this rut. Rainy days suck.
Later

Blessings,
Steg

What Runs This World

2009-07-22T15:44:00.002-04:00

I'll tell you the answer , but you already know.
Computers.
We all have them and can't seem to live without them. They seem to take over our lives.
Growing up, we managed to get along just fine , but now the world depends on computers to transfer money,control traffic,air traffic control.I don't know which device is more valuable today- the cell phone or the computer.
Lyd is 15 months old and we gave her her first computer.(A Fisher Price Model I think). I'm sure she'll be showing me tricks by the time she is 4. Getting old makes it harder to accept change.The world is changing so fast that I'm not sure I can keep up.
Has anyone found me a construction job yet? I think my old job will be done away with and computers will replace me. I mean replaced me.

Blessings,
Steg

Wedding Day Tomorrow

2009-07-02T08:00:00.002-04:00

Friday, Zak and Christin are getting married. They start their new life together.The Stegman's gain a new member to the family. Christin, Jessie, Kristin and Lori will now outnumber Josh, Zak and myself. I don't like being a member of a minority. The boys have always ruled in this house but, with the addition of Jessie and Christin now the girls rule. This isn't all bad because the Steg girls are all teachers and we guys still have a lot to learn about life.
Have a good holiday and wish Zak and Kristin good luck.

Blessings,
Steg

SOS Week

2009-06-29T13:46:00.004-04:00

It was a great week hosting 6 boys at our house.We served the city all week long during the day and it was Rambo and milkshakes at night. Zak even stopped home for a Rambo movie that he slept through.The kids really liked the E2 session while I enjoyed the Habitat for Humanity outreaches. Just hanging out, mentoring young adults is great.The week went fast and ther weather cooperated.It was a little hot though.

The evening with the 750 special ed people was great. The kids escorted, played games, danced and entertained for 3 hours. I even got into the act eating dinner with Brittany. Her boyfriend evemtually came and they had a great time together.
We can't wait until next year

Blessings
Steg

My Transportation

2009-06-16T14:02:00.002-04:00

When I lost my job 3 months ago, the thing that hit me the hardest was the loss of the company truck that I drove like my own. Suddenly I was stuck at home, while Lori took the car to work. I felt like I was trapped at home. I've been very busy working around the house doing things that I ignored for the past 25 years or so. My 26 year old motorcycle and my 10 year old bike became my main source of transportation.I now think twice before I leave the house. Before I didn't even think when jumping in the truck and driving somewhere. Now I plan better and focus better and don't waste time driving around aimlessly. It has actually saved me money on extra car insurance, gas, and forced me to become more efficient working with what I have. My faith has improved also since my layoff, looking to God in prayer and giving up my worries to him.Having alone time has really been a blessing without the stresses of a job. I'm praying regularly and starting listening alot more to those around me. It is amazing how much we take for granted in the hustle and bustle of everyday lfe. Sometimes God forces the slowdown in our lives. Mine just happened to be a layoff.I'm at piece now with not having a vehicle at my side. My 2 wheelers seem to be working just fine until I get another job.Getting to the store while its raining will just have to wait until the boss gets home from work. Gotta go-now I'm behind on my honey-do list

Later,
Steg

The 10 Commandments in Text Form

2009-06-08T15:03:00.002-04:00

GOD TEXTS THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.
BY JAMIE QUATRO
- - - -
1. no1 b4 me. srsly.

2. dnt wrshp pix/idols

3. no omg's

4. no wrk on w/end (sat 4 now; sun l8r)

5. pos ok - ur m&d r cool

6. dnt kill ppl

7. :-X only w/ m8

8. dnt steal

9. dnt lie re: bf

10. dnt ogle ur bf's m8. or ox. or dnkey. myob.
M, pls rite on tabs & giv 2 ppl.

ttyl, JHWH.

ps. wwjd?

I thought this was interesting and thought I'd pass it on

Blessings
Steg

Teamwork

2009-06-03T08:48:00.001-04:00

When I think about teamwork, I think about Kobe and the Lakers, Jordan and the Bulls, Ben and the Steelers(whom I hate). The individual needs the people around him to be successful and be the person he has developed into over the years.This is especially true in marriage. My wife's influence over the years has helped me grow up, become responsible,challenged and encouraged me helping my professional carrer by standing behind me and supporting me every step of the way. We had 3 kids and between the two of us, raised them the best that we could. Without both of us being active in their lives , I think the outcome could have been quite different. My wife is my rock. She keeps me in line and grounded daily. She always seems to know the right buttons to push.One wife, 3 kids, 1 dog,4 motorcycles and 12 cars later We celebrate our 31st anniversary today. I think I may have to reward myself with a longer nap today.

It's been a great 31 years

Part Timers

2009-06-02T13:49:00.002-04:00

I am puzzled by the actions of some people. I'm not claiming to be an angel or anything, but I strive to be a full timer. It has become easier since I lost my job. I'm not tempted to fall into the traps my fellow employees carried with them everyday. I'm talking about being a christian. Its disturbing to hear someone belt out a tirade of curse words that would make Samual Jackson blush and then realize you know that person from church. Wreckless gambling, irresponsible drinking, womanizing,and cheating/telling lies, and gossiping are things we encounter on an everyday basis and to see people from church and employed by the church doing these things disturbs me to no end. Why be a part timer. You're either all in or out as far as I'm concerned. I try not to judge these people, but they make it hard for me to witness when I associate occasionally with these part timers.I pray for my walk as well as their walk.
Sorry for the rant.

Blessings,
Steg

Non Verbal Communication

2009-05-28T09:11:00.002-04:00

Men in particular use this type of communication on a daily basis. A wave, finger point, fist bump, high five, or chest bump are good examples as well as a simple handshake. We use these gestures for various reasons.Sometimes we do it to avoid talking, or we may have differences with the person and only gesture out of respect or appearing to be congenial when really we despise them. I use these gestures to avoid taking down the wall that I have built around myself. So if I actually stop and talk to you, I obviously feel comfortable with you. If I pass you with the subtle head bob, there is something I'm not sure about or I simply don't know you enough. Sometimes men use these gestures because of the tough guy syndrome. I've been accused of this unjustly. I'm just shy. OK, open up guys, a little useless talk won't hurt anyone.

Blessings,
Steg

Baptism-Some People Just Don't Get It

2009-05-21T18:19:00.002-04:00

It's a tough topic to explain , but this video really helped me.Have a great holiday.

Blessings,
Steg

Birthday Song for Lydia

2009-05-07T08:29:00.003-04:00

My daughter Krissy and son Zak wrote a song for my granddaughters first birthday.Her name is Lydia. It really makes me smile when I watch it. Its really quite good.
Enjoy

I am lucky to have and be part of a family that loves each other so much

Blessings
Steg

Birthday Buds

2009-04-28T13:37:00.002-04:00

Zak reached Jack Bauer status (24) and Lydia reached #1. Zak, being 24 now is getting a wife while Lyd got her first taste of chocolate. It was beautiful weather and a day where loved ones got together to celebrate. These celebrations have recently really made me start to think how lucky I am to be surrounded by loved ones. At my age the view looks better and better.
Life goes by so fast. Always take the time to enjoy life. Work will always be there , but don't let the little things in life go by without noticing them.
I got baptized last week and my life seems to be finally in some order and control. I plan to live life with meaning and purpose now that I have given God the reins of my journey.
I hope you guys had a good birthday , because I sure enjoyed it.

Blessings
Dad/Grandpa Steg

Grandkids

2009-04-15T09:15:00.004-04:00

Having kids brightened our lives. Raising them helped enrich our lives. Letting them go out in the world on their own makes us proud. We feel that our job is done as parents. We're always available for advise. We feel that it will always be our responsibility to lead by example not only for our kids , but also for the grandchildren. Adults sometimes tend to forget that the little ones look to us 24/7 and model after us. Grandkids are so innocent and follow their elders' actions with no questions asked. Why do we as adults find it so hard to follow God with no questions asked. With doors being closed in my life, other doors are starting to open. I have decided to rededicate my life to God and make a real effort to lead the life I was meant to. No more excuses. Life is good. Jobs come and go, but family is forever.

Blessings,
Steg

March 17 , 2009 /Lay Off

2009-04-03T13:00:00.003-04:00

I was layed off by my company that I worked for the past 24 years. WOW!
I was confused and irritated when it happened. I never really knew what a door being slammed in my face felt like. Now I know how God feels when I turn my back on him and sin. Its just a terrible feeling that is hard to describe. Lonliness, abandonment,and embarassment are a few words that come to mind. I was let go obviously due to the grim financial market that continues to plague the nation , and in my case the construction industry.
I finally finished a resume for myself. Until now, I never had to shop for a job. Having been blessed over the years with only 2 employers, I think I took my employment for granted. I never let down and in my opinion went out on top of my game. I loved what I did and was good at performing under pressure. I miss the game terribly and find myself somewhat lost every morning without a job. I'm putting out resumes and deal with the unemployment people regularly. I'm just trying to keep my head up and get back in the game.
Sometimes we all turn our backs on God and recklessly drift through life without meaning. Life is hard during these times, but you know what, maybe its time for all of us to get back in the game with God, regardless if we have jobs or not.
Remember Philippians 4:6 "Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."
Have a good day.

Blessings
Steg

St. Patrick's Day/ Happy Aniversary Josh and Jess

2009-03-16T19:44:00.003-04:00

This green holiday when the kids were growing up meant traveling downtown to watch the annual parade.
Then I built an Irish Pub.
Then , Josh and Jessie got married on St. Patrick's day a couple of years ago. It's funny how the significance of this holiday has changed for me over the years.The significance of this holiday is officially locked in.

Happy Aniversary Josh and Jess

Love Dad

How Great Is Our God

2009-03-12T09:59:00.002-04:00

The Sun

2009-03-09T13:52:00.006-04:00

The sun makes:
1. me warm
2. me happy
3. me tan
4. me sweat
5.me want to go on vacation
6. my bald spot brown
7. my grass grow fast
8. my day at work go slow
9. my motorcycle more appealing
10. my hair more blond
11.me wear shorts.
12. You fill in the blank--The sun makes me---------------

I want some answers-- please
What does the sun do to you?

Blessings
Steg

Comments Made in 1955 (man I'm old)

2009-03-06T07:21:00.002-05:00

I want to thank Angie for sending this to me . I thought you might enjoy these blasts from the past

> Comments made in the year 1955!
> That's only 53 years ago!
>
> "I'll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible to buy a week's groceries for $20.00."
>
> "Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long before $2, 000.00 will only buy a used one."
>
> "If cigarettes keep going up in price, I'm going to quit. A quarter a pack is ridiculous.
>
> "Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging a dime just to mail a letter?"
>
> "If they raise the minimum wage to $1.00, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store."
>
> "When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 29 cents a gallon. Guess we'd be better off leaving the car in the garage."
>
> "Kids today are impossible. Those duck tail haircuts make it impossible to stay groomed. Next thing you know, boys will be wearing their hair as long as the girls."
>
> "I'm afraid to send my kids to the movies any more. Ever since they let Clark Gable get by with saying DAMN in GONE WITH THE WIND, it seems every new movie has either HELL or DAMN in it."
>
> "I read the other day where some scientist thinks it's possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing for it down in Texas."
>
> "Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $75,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn't surprise me if someday they'll be making more than the President."
>
> "I never thought I'd see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They are even making electric typewriters now."
>
> "It's too bad things are so tough nowadays. I see where a few married women are having to work to make ends meet."
>
> "It won't be long before young couples are going to have to hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work."
>
> "Marriage doesn't mean a thing anymore, those Hollywood stars seem to be getting divorced at the drop of a hat."
>
> "I'm afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business."
>
> "Thank goodness I won't live to see the day when the Government takes half our income in taxes. I sometimes wonder if we are electing the best people to congress."
>
> "The drive-in restaurant is convenient in nice weather, but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on."
>
> "There is no sense going to Lincoln or Omaha anymore for a weekend, it costs nearly $15.00 a night to stay in a hotel."
>
> "No one can afford to be sick anymore, at $35.00 a day in the hospital it's too rich for my blood."
>
> "If they think I'll pay 50 cents for a haircut, forget it."
>
> Know any friends who would get a kick out of these, pass this on! Be sure and send it to your kids and grandkids too

Wow

Blessings
Steg

Dealing With People in Today's World

2009-03-05T08:48:00.003-05:00

I am finding it harder and harder dealing with people in today's world. Whether they are relatives, coworkers, peers, bosses,or neighbors, people just seem to want to get the last word in. They talk about you when you are still within hearing distance and think nothing of it. Arguements develop over the dumbest reasons. I don't know if the current economy is partly to blame , but wake up people, take a good look in the mirror daily and react to it. Let's face it- I don't like what I see everyday , but I adjust daily.

Bottom line- Don't get in my face unless you really want a piece of me.

Case Closed
Steg

My Game Face (Repost)

2009-03-03T09:47:00.001-05:00

Game Face
I don't know about you ,but I have a very hard time adjusting from work to family life. At work ,I am a supervisor to numerous construction trades,enforcing contracts,scheduling,meeting with owners,etc. Put quite simply,whatever happens on a construction job ,it is my responsibility.This applies to profit margins,scheduling delays or acceleration of the project as well as code enforcement,quality control,and general babysitting of the workers.

I hear all the problems--salary disputes,alimony troubles,kid troubles,debt problems,wife problems,employment problems.,to name a few. When I step into my car every morning the game face goes on. No more Mr. nice guy.I tackle and deal with the problems head on.There's no time for friendly chit chat. The schedules today are crazy. Everybody wants things done overnight.

So at the end of each day,I have a hard time going home pulling in the driveway,taking off the game face, and stepping into everyday life.My wife and family have been very supportive over the past 25+ years. I pray that God gives me the strength and patience to juggle the game faces until retirement comes.I just want to be a loving father, husband and grandfather.
Any Advice?

Blessings
Steg

Old Age Things

2009-03-02T08:57:00.004-05:00

As I age, I have noticed subtle changes that are happening with my body. Nose hair grows faster and needs serious maintenance. My favorite change is the ever increasing increasing amount of ear hair . If ignored, My ears would look like this pic. My chest hair and back hair are also thicker than ever.The sad part about getting old is that while hair is growing at an alarming pace all over my body, My head is balding . This doen't really bother me, but it makes you think why this occurs. Still don't have any answers--Do you?

Just Wondering,
Steg

Shocked

2009-02-23T17:17:00.003-05:00

I've been recently thinking about life and how things have changed since I grew up. The morals of our society have gone to h e double hockey stick. Clothes are way too revealing , tv is now soft porn, big houses and fancy cars are a must. The average family wouldn't be caught in the car that I grew up with, a huge station wagon. Today thats not cool. Kids don't play outside- they text each other or play video games. I am SHOCKED.
Wouldn't it be great to go back in the days where life was more simple. Maybe we could focus on the real reason we are here on earth. Not to keep up with the Jones' but to love the Lord , love each other and serve others. I'm shocked that I have been sucked into todays lifestyle of wasting time on computers, tv, gossiping, Cherishing material things and such.
I need and will focus the rest of my life on what really matters- Jesus, Family, and serving others. Put the 401K's, IRA's on Jesus back. He will take care of us.
No worries. He is always there for us and wouldn't put anything on us that he can't handle.

Blessings
Steg

Mr. Colerain-RIP

2009-02-19T07:44:00.002-05:00

Mr colerain died recently. He attended every event at the school. I think he attended the school in the civil war days. As long as i can remember, he hung out at the school quietly supporting all activities. He showed a passion that I can only dream of. I'm actually jealous of it. What are you passionate about and how will you use this passion to have an impact on somebody?
Just a thought worth passing along

Blessings,
Steg

What's Burning?

2009-02-08T13:15:00.004-05:00

This is a repost from a couple years ago on my My Space blog. I had an encounter with a smoker today at work and it stirred up the same feelings as it did years ago. Here it is:

What is Burning?

That is the question I ask myself every time I walk out to my truck after exiting the building at work. The losers (smokers) are lined up,blocking the entrance,puffing away like there is no tomorrow. The smoke is so thick I practically go into a trance imagining Sitting Bull smoking the peace-pipe not letting me out of the teepee.

The people at my work take a 15 minute break every hour. They work 8 hours.(just assume they do). Say the average employee makes 40K per year. Thats right,30,000 to work and 10,000 to smoke. What is wrong with this picture? Does this make you sick or what?

I don't know why anyone would hire a smoker. Not only is he not productive 25% of the time, the entire company suffers. Yes,that means your raises,bonuses,healthcare costs, and sometimes friends are lost as a result.

So next time you pass a smoker, just think how destructive smoking is to our lives and environment.Maybe you'll almost get in a fight like I did today by knocking the next cigarrete you see out of some persons mouth.

No fight but a minor wrestling match. Later,I have to ice my shoulder.

Blessings
Steg

25 random Things About Me

2009-01-26T13:33:00.002-05:00

1 .I've been married for over 30 years
2. I have 3 kids and 1 grandchild
3.I have 2 motorcycles and ride for stress reduction
4.I like to camp.
5. I like mountain hiking and travel with family.
6.I've been snow skiing in 5 different countries.
7. I like to get the last word in-beware
8. I tend to be very sarcastic.
9. I like action movies-go figure.
10. I have worked in commercial/industrial construction for 34 years.
11. Briefs only
12.I build churches. www.unitedchurchbuilders.com
13.I have had a gun pulled on me 6 times over the last 30 years--all while at work
14.I am constantly told that I resemble Hulk Hogan.
15.I like wearing leather bracelets.
16.I'm related to Alice Cooper by marriage-my wife's cousin.
17. I like to wear skull caps.
18.I hate shirts with sleeves.
19. I love worship songs and like to attend Ichthus www.ichthusfestival.org
20.I like full contact sports.
21.I accidently knocked Brooke Shields to the floor of our office after colliding with her--she said she was ok.
22.I met President Bush Sr. and went on Air Force One.---his plane
23.I like to work out at Fitworks.
24.I have 1 sister and both my parents are still with us
25.People say I have a lot of BS

Winter

2009-01-16T12:42:00.003-05:00

Well ,its that time of year again. Now that the holidays are over, we tend to focus on the weather, specificly the cold. Working outside makes it that much more of a focus for me. Then again, after 33 years of going through this, it becomes harder and harder each year.
If we thought about ways to help others or improve ourselves the same amount of time that we mope around worrying if it will snow or how cold its going to be, then maybe our lives would be more positive and constructive this time of year. Too many of us get down by the short, cold, snowy, winter days.
Quit whining and wake up. Quit laying around and be creative and constructive.
Now that I've diagnosed my own problem, I'd better get back to work.Go home and read by a fire . Maybe you can light the fire inside you that has apparently gone out.

Blessings, Steg

You've got to be kidding me

2009-01-09T12:54:00.002-05:00

This article greatly concerns me. What's your opinion? I know we live in a troubled society, but this is flat out sick

Fed Should Bail Out Larry Flynt and Other Porn Magnates
By Robert Paul Reyes

"Adult entertainment moguls Larry Flynt and Joe Francis are asking for a $5 billion bailout from the government, claiming the pornography industry on the decline.

Flynt, founder of the porn magazine Hustler, and Francis, 'Girls Gone Wild' producer, feel that they should be granted a portion of the recent $700 billion package by President George W. Bush to help the economy back on its feet.

They said that they deserve the same consideration that the government is willing to give other businesses.

Flynt said in a statement, 'With all this economic misery and people losing all that money, sex is the farthest thing from their mind. It's time for Congress to rejuvenate the sexual appetite of America.'" Ann Lu/AllHeadlineNews.Com

Larry Flynt and Joe Francis make a convincing case, if banks, investment corporations, insurance companies and auto manufacturers have been bailed out, why not such stalwarts of the adult entertainment business? It makes about as much sense to bail out Chrysler as it does to bail out Hustler and Girls Gone Wild. It could be argued that Chrysler is responsible for its predicament by manufacturing cars that the American public doesn't want to buy, while it's clear the porn industry isn't responsible for its declining fortunes. The Internet has dealt a devastating blow to the porn industry, why pay for porn when you can get it for free on the Net? Purveyors of porn are more worthy recipients of government largesse than the aforementioned industries. Banks, mortgage companies and insurance companies screw us without mercy, but the only ones who porn entertainers screw are themselves.

The CEOs of the banks, insurance companies and auto companies that have been bailed out are soulless and bland nonentities who haven't contributed anything to society. On the other hand Americans owe Flynt our gratitude and respect, he has dedicated his life to defending free speech.

I'll admit that Joe Francis is a creep and a wuzz, after a few weeks in jail he starts crying like a schoolgirl. But even Francis isn't as contemptible and vile as the business magnates that Uncle Sam has already bailed out.

There's a place for adult entertainment in our society, especially in hard economic times when pleasures are hard to come by. We need Girls Gone Wild to help us forget that we are in jeopardy of losing our homes and our jobs.

No industry should be bailed out, but if the federal government is hell-bent on rescuing badly-managed companies that deserve to go bankrupt, then the porn industry should also receive a few billion dollars.

Robert Paul Reyes is a NewsBlaze writer on Politics, Pop Culture and Pointless Pontificating. Contact him by writing to NewsBlaze.

Robert Reyes

To comment on this story, email to comment@newsblaze.com

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Copyright © 2009, NewsBlaze, Daily News

Tags: larry flynt, joe francis, robert paul reyes
* The views of Opinion writers do not necessarily reflect the views of NewsBlaze

I think I'll go puke now
Steg
_ _

Biggest Loser

2009-01-07T12:57:00.003-05:00

Ohio State football can not win a bowl game. I think it has something to do with their coach. Jim Tressell in my opinion should be fired. Here are my reasons:

1. He can't control his players. #90 on the defense cost the team 2 different penalties of 15 yards each. Tressell could not convince this guy and explain to him that it was a college football game and not an ultimate fight in a cage where anything goes. This player continued to attack the head of the Texas QB.
2. Beanie was not well in the second half. He did nothing. This was Tressell's fault, thinking just because he ran like a breakaway freight train in the fist half, that the same would occur in the second half.---News flash---That is the job of a Good coach which is to analize how your team does and make adjustments and to rectify them.Texas outcoached him.
3.Tressel didn't adapt when Beanie was't well. His plan was suspect.
4. You don't mess with a Texan named Colt McCoy. He was beaten and battered by the Kimbo Slices of OSU . He kept his poise and composure and settled for the 5-12 yard passes and won the game.
OSU messed with the bull and eventually got the horn.
Jim Tressell-you stink but I hope you are still there next year so I can bet against you and fatten up my 401K like I have the past few years.

Blessings,
Steg

Santa's Coming to Town--Merry Christmas Everybody

2008-12-21T22:15:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Steg

Be a Dick (hoyt)

2008-12-17T11:23:00.001-05:00

This story touches my heart dearly. We should all be a Dick Hoyt

Blessings
Steg

We are Prisoners

2008-12-15T13:06:00.002-05:00

We are all prisoners to something. It could be an addiction,or stuck in a job that we don't like or can't afford to quit. Maybe we are deep in debt and don't know how to get out. Relationship problems, car problems, family problems are all examples that hold us as an individual prisoner. It seems to me that this situation is always intensified during this time of year. That bonus or raise doesn't come, natural gas prices raise, the car doesn't run well in cold weather, we can't skip buying Christmas presents, the stress of the season is almost unbearable to some. How do we and more importantly how will we deal with it depends on our faith.
Be patient with others this holiday season. Give grace. Be caring and helpful to everyone and be nice and understanding to family members. Keep you job for now and cut back on your spending.
Have Faith, God never puts anything on us that he can't handle.

Blessings
Steg

Life After Raising Kids

2008-12-11T08:59:00.002-05:00

In todays society, as parents, we are programmed to raise our kids. We try to give and help them achieve everything we have and more. We try to steer them clear of the pitfalls that tried to swallow us when we were young. As I come to the end of this faze, After all, they are well into adulthood, I look out and try to figure out what is on my new horizon. I still have my work although with the economy in turmoil who knows how long that will last, but the real question I seek an answer to is what will drive me to get up every morning and set out to conquer. Is it retirement--See stock market--I dont think so. Is it volunteer work? Is it to start a business of my own? Is it to become a motorcycle mechanic? Is it to go back to school and get a new profession? Just thinking---
Any ideas?

Happy Holidays
Steg

Give Thanks

2008-11-26T08:24:00.002-05:00

I wish everyone a happy thanksgiving. Take advantage of this day to tear down barriers that you may have built over the years with family and/or friends. Enjoy each other and give thanks to God for our lives.
Be positive and forgiving and give grace to those hurting. Have a wonderful day.

Blessings to all,
Steg

Rain, Clowns and Yes Men (Published a year ago on My Space)

2008-11-25T11:27:00.002-05:00

Hey,

Rain has put a real pinch on my job lately. I also work with more clowns than Mr. Barnum employs. I seem to be surrounded by yes men.

In my 30 years of work and family life I have had my fill of yes men.Yes men are generally:

1)hen pecked

2)spineless-afraid of confrontation

3)cowards-see 2

4)A follow the leader type--unable to come up with their own ideas or identity

5)pathetic losers that cheat their way thru life

6)driven by fear from their husbands/wives,employer, or friends

7)a freeloader--thinks evrything is owed to him/her and lets everyone around them do the work taking full credit for it

8) likes to stand back and criticize others while doing nothing to help solve the matter

You get the point that I despise these people , but how in the world can I love these people like Jesus expects us to? I feel like Hell is right around the corner. Pray for me

Peace ,

Steg

Happy Thanksgiving

Focus on Yourself

2008-11-23T12:39:00.000-05:00

Worry About Yourself

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else."
Galatians 6:4, NLT

This is something I need to remind myself everyday at work. I’m constantly looking around making sure I am outperforming my peers at work. I need to focus on myself and worry about where I stand with God . Quit getting caught up in all the petty backstabbing and gossiping that goes on at work.
What a beautiful day God gave us today. Enjoy it.

Blessings,
Steg

Faces

2008-11-23T12:34:00.001-05:00

Hey peeps,

As a people watcher , I see all kind of faces. There are happy, excited, sad, depressed, confused, rejected, tired, grief stricken. Often times I try to read people and predict what they are feeling. It’s kind of fun until you see someone crying. This emotion scares me the most. It makes your heart hurt. Actually it can be good or bad. Sometimes people cry when they are extremely happy or overcome with the Holy Spirit but usually the outcome is bad. Grief stricken and lonliness are the bad results from crying. My heart goes out to these people , but they must get help or deal with whatever is bothering them. You can’t let things get out of control. I guess that is the biggest thing that bothers me about crying. The lack of control part. We must lean on God and get control. We must learn to ask God for help, otherwise we end up in a rut.

Swallow your pride and go to God for help. Whining and endless crying will get you nowhere. Get out of your rut.

Blessings,
Steg

And the Winner Is?

2008-11-17T08:49:00.002-05:00

I've been in contention with this opponent for over 30 years. We've fought and struggled over the years, but I've always managed to maintain the upper hand. He's always been stubborn when confronted by me. He seems to always refuse to comply with my demands of him.
On a Sunday morning a couple of weeks ago, I had my final run in with this character. I had just completed putting a cote of oil based polyeurothane on a hardwood floor . As I stepped outside to get some fresh air, I saw him sitting idle right next to the ladder sitting on top of my truck. I approached him ,grabbed him pulling him close to me. That is when he struck, out of nowhere. He got me with one quick shot to the forehead and just barely missed my eye with his mean hook.
That Bungee Cord knocked me goofy. Sometimes in life we just need to slow down. It's amazing how God brings things back in perspective.I took this as a warning/wake up call. He could have easily taken my teeth or my eye, but the stitches and throbbing head I've had for the past 2 weeks has been a wake up call for me.
Lesson learned.
Blessings,
Steg

House Maintenance

2008-11-11T12:27:00.005-05:00

We save our money to buy a house. We work hard to pay for it. During this time, the house seems to "get old". It needs paint, siding, new roof, carpet, landscaping, etc. It seems like things don't last as long as they used to. Repairs always need to be done, regardless how old the house is.
The same seems to be true of our faith. It is something we constantly need to work on. It does not renew itself. I finally get this radical idea. Groundbreaking, especially since i'm now an old man. I guess it proves that if you stumble thru life always looking for your purpose, that eventually you will find it.
On the other hand, working on the house, we never seem to find a time where it is where its meant to be.
No more time to chat, I need to work on the new porch swing
Later
Steg

Vote

2008-10-31T08:57:00.001-04:00

Get out and vote this Tuesday.

Blessings,
Steg

World's Worst Boxer Retires

2008-10-29T12:40:00.002-04:00

It is so important for us to find and know our purpose in life. I guess this guy found and knew his.

Enjoy,
Steg

Boxing fans will gather in Birmingham on Friday night to witness the final fight of a man who should be remembered for ever as Britain’s most spectacular sporting loser.
Even in the crowded gallery of British sporting failures, the career of Peter Buckley stands apart. Beside his record, the ski-jumping career of Eddie “the Eagle” Edwards appears only moderately unsuccessful; by his light, Tim Henman is illuminated as an indefatigable champion of Centre Court.
Buckley has lost more fights than any other boxer in the world. Throughout his 256 defeats, he has remained magnificently undeterred. While the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) remained desperately concerned that he would do himself a serious lasting injury, Buckley persisted, losing bout after bout.
In the past five years he has put together a particularly impressive losing streak, failing to win in 88 successive bouts. He has lost to 42 future world, European, British and Commonwealth champions, including Naseem Hamed, and has fought more bouts than any other boxer in the world. But this one, No 300, will be his last.
Related Links
Comment: why we all love the incompetent loser
“I’ve had my eye on the 300 mark for a while, and it’s a little milestone I want to achieve, but I don’t want to fight on,” he said. “People keep saying to me that I’ll get a call in a few weeks’ time offering me a fight and I’ll say yes, but I mean it when I say this is it.”
There was a time, in the early 1990s, when Buckley did not seem destined for so luminous a career of defeat. He was a talented super-featherweight who won the Midlands area title. Then he discovered a more lucrative calling, as an opponent for boxers with hot prospects. He rarely won but had a good defence and took few punches. Over time his reflexes slowed and he became easier to hit. Now 39, he has matured into a consistent loser.
A commission in the United States suggested recently that boxers who lost ten consecutive bouts should lose their licences. Though the BBBC would have liked to have halted Buckley’s career, it has proved powerless to stop him. If boxers are medically fit, it cannot prevent them without risking a lawsuit for restraint of trade.
Buckley has sometimes boxed so often that he has turned up with a black eye before a bout. Though the governing body continues to send him for medical tests, Buckley continues to pass them. Throughout his career, he has kept himself in a constant state of readiness, ready to lose a fight at a moment’s notice anywhere in the country. Buckley has been known to agree to bouts as late as 8pm on the night of the fight.
“I’m always in the gym, so if I get a call a couple of hours before a fight, I usually say yes,” he said. “If you phone up a bricklayer and ask him to build you a wall, he doesn’t ask for three weeks to prepare.”
For his last bout, at the Aston Events Centre, Buckley has been given the rare treat of advanced notice and home-town advantage, and there is even a chance that he might win.
“I don’t know what I’ll do when it’s all over on Friday, but I’d love to stay in boxing in one capacity or another,” he said. “Boxing has been good to me over the years. When I was a youngster I was in trouble with the police, a really wild kid. But the sport has given me a focus in life.”
Have your say
True, He could be a very difficult opponent with a good defense and a good chin.
J Morris, Birmingham, England
Buckley is only the world's worst boxer in the sense of the worst ACTIVE boxer. The title of worst LIVING boxer and worst boxer in HISTORY belongs to Reggie Strickland who had 363 fights and 276 losses - a significant number more than Buckley. Look it up!
Ariel, Bay City, USA
Buckley.....Peoples Champion! Theres a title you can't get just by fighting people you are expected to beat. Amir Khan should look up to this man. Better to get no credit and know that you deserved some, than to get credit and know that you deserved none of it.
Jamie, London, England
The piece seems to imply that he was a bad fighter when in fact he was a good test for any up and coming fighter.I have seen him fight on many occasions and he always accounted himself well.it is time for him to give up but he deserves great credit for what he has done for boxing.
Kevin, London, England
I'm pretty appalled that a boxer with such a long list of defeats would allowed to continue. It certainly doesn't happen here. At 39 years of age he shouldn't be accepting fights at short s notice - and the fact that he likens what he does to that of a bricklayer tells me his brain is already soft
Mary , Melbourne, AUSTRALIA
I believe the tone of this article was very disrespectful. Buckley has only ever been stopped 10 times in his 299 fights. All his other 250 odd defeats he has gone the distance with his oppenent. This should have been commented on in the piece becuase it illustrates the determination of the man
Jay Griffiths, Ellesmere Port, Britain
What spirit! How magnificently British. Good on ya, Pete.
John Olsson, Welshpool, Wales
If he has lost 256 times, and his next bout will be his 300th, then there must have been 44 fights that he did not lose. Has he beaten anyone whose name we might recognize? Could any of the fighters he has vanquished lay claim to the "world's worst" title?
Mr. Wuxtry, Denver, USA

If it ain't broke, don't fix it

2008-10-28T08:34:00.002-04:00

Hey
Have you ever been part of an organization, group or gathering that runs like a smooth, well oiled machine? Everything is good. It is highly functioning, effective, efficient, and liked by all. All of a sudden, under new management, someone starts tinkering with a good thing and ends up turning it into something totally different than what it was designed to be and accomplish. Now it isn't as effective. Now its not efficient. Now it isn't liked by all. Everything ruined over time by different people putting their spin on it.
As things change, people start dropping out, which seems to invite more tinkering with the system and more changes.
Aren't some things just better left alone.
Just a casual observation from someone who is willing to let things alone and not putting my personal spin on something that has worked for years and is now going to hell in a handbasket.

I can't be a part of it

Later
Steg

What I Like

2008-10-16T13:25:00.002-04:00

Things I like

Being maried to the same woman for 30 years
having kids that love the Lord
having a job that i love
goatees and facial hair
the color blue
motorcycles
Jesus
football
redheads
music
good landscaping
gas grilles
funky hats, berets, or skull hats
blue eyes
long hair on girls/women
loud cars
shoes/sandals/boots
hiking
mountains
being close to grizzly bears while in an armored car
lazyboy chairs
tv
electronic devices
bull horns--mooooooo
portolets with toilet paper
a person who smiles a lot
a beach at sunrise/sunset
a good warhoot
an occasional hug
lifting weights
grandchildren-1 so far-little Lydia
non nosy neighbors
refrigerators
hardwood floors
houses with stone on them
watching national geographic and seeing a wolfpack take down an elk
vacations with family
chocolate
ford cars/trucks
workers that dont complain
Rambo movies
helping serve breakfast to the poor/homeless on Christmas morning
Black Friday Christmas shopping with the kids
Alaska
little black dogs named Zoey
camping with my wife
looking at the stars at night while in the middle of the desert at 115 degrees(Death Valley)
rental cars
driving from LA to Cincinnati with 4 other adults and a stuffed animal that was as big as his owner in a small minivan that took 4 days
being able to recognize how blessed I have been over the past 30 years

Thanks for you patience in reading this useless bit of info that for some strange reason seems to intrigue me

Later

Steg

Things I Hate

2008-10-15T21:09:00.002-04:00

I hate

Phonies
Cowards
Politics
TV anchors
The View tv show
The Steelers
Rosi O'donnell
Beets
Asparagus
Shirts with sleeves
People who shave daily
paper cups
mopeds
tattoos
piercings
people who don't work
crack
plumbers crack
thongs
bow ties
tv's without remotes
foreign cars
bent telephone poles
egomaniacs
know it alls
pellet stoves
pumping up bicycle tires
broken dishwashers
lopsided trees
girly men
manly girls
holidays
lawn mower rear baggers
cheaters
2 faced people
rude home builders
rap music
country music
iced tea
liberals
being taken advantage of
negative ads by political candidates
womens lib
basketball hoops with bent rooms
high school sports
dead grass
cigars
toupes and wigs
combovers
used car salesmen and women

Why these things popped into my head while watching the debate---who knows and furthermore who cares

Good Night

Steg

Weighty Issues

2008-10-08T20:34:00.002-04:00

My weight has gone up and down for the past 2o years. Loosing the weight has never really been a problem. The problem is keeping it off. I have worked out fairly regularly over the years and maintain a descent amount of muscle. I have always maintained my strength.
I worked with a guy I haven't seen in 20 years. The first thing he said to me was "Man, the last time I saw you , you were a ball of muscle, but now you're a ball of fat". OUCH
As a fat person , I am sick and tired of this condition. I feel this is my last chance to loose weight voluntarily while I am in general good health. I'm going to show Rusty what the old me used to look like.
This picture is just a sick joke. I'm tired of being that guy

Blessings
Steg

Night Work

2008-10-06T04:07:00.002-04:00

I love pouring concrete at night. The air is crisp and clean. The cops are nice (allowing me to break the noise ordinance). There is not much horseplay. Everybody just takes care of business. By the time the sun comes up , we will have poured an acre of concrete 6 inces thick. As I observe the guys pouring, you can feel a presence of God. The stillness of night and the noises of machinery abound, but God is here. Tonite the feeling is overwhelming. After a great weekend, it feels great to experience this. Got to go, they are wondering what i'm typing in my trailer in the dark.

Blessings

Steg

Kimbo Slice has Heart

2008-10-03T10:13:00.005-04:00

Something about this guy facinates me. It's not his fighting. He's not a technical fighter. It's not his intellect. He is extremely street smart. It's not that he's so popular on You Tube with his street fighting. It's his heart. He has the drive and will it takes to be a fighter. I think Saturday he might get beat. That would probably be the best thing for his career.

Sometimes I question my heart. Can I look myself in the mirror and be content with what I see. NO. I guess the heart is what drives me to become a better man, husband, father and fellow worker. There is always work to be done and God willing I'll get there.

Blessings,

Steg

VP Debate

2008-10-02T10:23:00.003-04:00

With the way the news anchors have treated her, I would say she is more than ready for tonights debate. This outfit and other attire was suggested by current VP Cheney.

Let's face it, how much does the VP really do. Everything goes thru the House and Senate and is reconfigured before any decisions ultimately effect the american people. I just hope I can find out about her tonite instead of her just having to defend being picked as a running mate.

I can't wait till all this stuff is over. Have a great day.

Blessings

Steg

Trying Times

2008-09-25T20:22:00.003-04:00

It has been a tough 2 weeks. We had the winds(hurricane) that knocked out the power. It was actually welcomed. Life seems to slow down during these times.Trees were all over the place. Today I actually saw trees still leaning on 2 houses.

While driving thru intersections that became 4 way stops, people were surprisingly civil. Neighbors helped each other and actually talked to each other taking the time to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. The weather was cool(not anymore) and nights were good sleeping nights.

During times like this we often turn to God for answers. Why does it take times like this for a lot of individuals to just think about God? Ramp up your faith and go to God everyday, give it all to him and live with and thru him.

Blessings

Steg

Gross

2008-09-18T17:59:00.001-04:00

I'm speechless and sick

Steg

To Smile or Not to Smile

2008-09-11T12:25:00.002-04:00

As many of you already know, I don't have one of those smiley faces pasted on every time you see me. I often come off as the tough guy. I take a lot of heat at work because they think my game face is too serious.

Sorry about that. At home, I wear my game face too often. I am actually a very content person. I do tend to plan for the worst and hope for the best. That way I'm ready for any situation that arises.

I guess I should actually be smiling all the time. With a great family, kids, wife and job and church what else could I hope for that I haven't already been blessed with?

I'm just wondering

Blessings

Steg

H

2008-09-02T09:24:00.002-04:00

Last night , as I stumbled upstairs to go to bed, I made a pit stop in the bathroom to take a leak and brush my teeth. I tend to keep my eyes closed when I'm tired. While brushing my teeth, I started salivating like a rabid dog. I got scared. Turns out after throwing on the light , I buttered my toothbrush with a huge helping of preparation H.
My butt still itches but my teeth are squeeky clean. Nothing like the taste of petroleum. I can still taste it 12 hours later.
I think my gums schrunk up--they are real tight.
Just thought you'd like to know.

Blessings
Steg

Cold

2008-08-26T09:41:00.002-04:00

As I walked out of my house today, I realized that a cold front did actually pass thru the area sometime overnight. It wasn't quite as cold as this picture depicts, but in contrast to last weeks humid weather this is what it felt like to me.

I find it puzzling how we as christians have the hot/cold cycle with our faith. When everything is going fine we sometimes forget to thank God for the blessings he bestows on us. We don't read the bible and tend to take things for granted. On the other hand, when we are down and out surrounded by the troubles of this world, we always turn to God and ask What's going on?"

We seem to always look to him in times of trouble, which we should.

The point is we need to stay focussed on Him throughout everyday of our lives. Trust me-life is much better when we give everything up to Him.

Blessings,

Steg

Josh and Jessie

2008-08-21T15:09:00.001-04:00

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Kris and Zak

2008-08-21T14:44:00.001-04:00

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2 Down; 1 To Go

2008-08-18T08:29:00.002-04:00

My daughter bought a house and moved out of our house over the weekend. I'm excited for her, starting out fully on her own. It kind of makes us think that we did our job correctly when raising her.
That makes two down and one to go. Suddenly our house feels bigger. With two bodies gone, space just opens.
I came back to work today to rest. I'm getting too old for all the packing, moving, loading and unloading.
I'm doing pretty good on the daddy-do list. I'm working on the small things the house inspector suggested be done.
Later -time for a nap

Blessings
Steg

Best Race Ever

2008-08-11T08:00:00.003-04:00

Lezak lifts U.S. in ‘best ever’ relay. Make sure you check out the video of this race. The French were running their mouths about smashing the US and the world record. And they did . The only problem was the US swimmer touched first. Krissy and I were hollering and cheering at 11:30 PM. We probably woke up the whole neighborhood. With 25 meters to go it appeared there was no way the US swimmer could catch the frenchman, but out of nowhere he rocketed to the wall just nipping the French. As George Peppard said when he starred on the A Team "I Love it when a plan comes together". Take that you big mouth Frenchmen.

Blessings

Steg

Green Eggs and No Hamm

2008-08-10T16:28:00.003-04:00

The Hamm brothers aren't in the Olympics. I'll miss the kids with the monk haircuts. They weren't great at anything , but were steady performers. Their skills will be missed. It's hard to get into the games when the weather is so great. I prefer winter games because the weather keeps me inside and after working outside all day , I have no problem building a fire and watching tv.

The records being broken in swimming bother me. When Mark Spitz trained , they all didn't wear goggles and due to all the chlorine , they could only train a couple of hours per day in the pool. With the suits designed by NASA and goggles training can be endless. These developments in technology have greatly changed my interest in the Olympics. I actually have a pair of speedos that were signed by Spitz that I wore in my high school years. What a scary thought to wear them today at the YMCA. Talk about a stampede of people leaving the pool--------

Blessings

Steg

psalm 62

2008-08-07T19:18:00.000-04:00

Quit Complaining

2008-08-07T13:05:00.002-04:00

No whining and No crybabies. A sign with one of these statements is on the dashboard of my pickup truck at all times. It has been on display inside my windshield for at least 10-15 years now. I also used these statements during the raising of my kids. I was always the bad guy in the enforcement of family rules. Therefore , my kids hate the sign.

The workers that work under me hate it even more. They look at the sign from an intimidating perspective. I am perceived as a bully on the jobs, since I do quality control and if it doesn't meet my standards I say "no whining -do it over".

Sometimes I cover the sign when parked in the church lot. People have given me some creepy looks lately.

If you think this post sucks-No Whining and no crybabies

Blessings,

Steg

Be a Man

2008-08-05T17:48:00.002-04:00

Today, while shopping at Kroger, I witnessed a pitiful site. A woman in line with her husband was belittling, cursing, and slapping her husband in the face. The words coming out of this woman's mouth were enough to make this construction worker of 30 years blush. The dude just wimpered back at her physical abusiveness.
Grow a pair dude.
I'm not saying to retaliate, but take control of the situation by diffusing it and take it elsewhere.
Onlookers were laughing as well as getting scared.
I'm not a caveman, but a man can stand up to his wife showing understanding, compassion, and concern wile gaining control of a situation. What did I do you ask? I said "excuse me , I'm really pressed for time, is there any way I could go ahead of you in line?" The woman came back to reality and was very polite and stepped aside as I went to the counter. I think she was just on a roll with the old man. I thanked the dude as I left ,trying to include him, but he was too shy or embarassed to talk.
Step up guys , work things out using your minds and not your fists. I believe by sitting there taking it like this dude, anger builds up until a person erupts in physical violence.

Blessings
Steg

Go Farve Away

2008-08-03T16:46:00.002-04:00

Enough already. You've accomplished more than 98% of other NFL quarterbacks. He's even retired more than most people. Now, coming back again really points out what a selfish egotistical person he really is. This guy isn;t all that much younger than me. He probably has kids the same age as mine that he doesn't know anything about. Why don't people stop while they are on top. Last year was probably his best chance to win a super bowl. Hang it up Bret, it's time to move on

Blessings

Steg

Carson Palmer Views of Ohio State

2008-07-23T13:53:00.002-04:00

"I cannot stand the Buckeyes. It's amazing to hear what those guys think about that university and what they think about that football program and Tressel and all the crap I gotta put up with being back there.I just can't wait for two years from now when SC comes to the 'Shoe and hopefully we'll have a home game that weekend, and I can go up there and watch us pound on them in their own turf.I'm really getting sick of it, and I just can't wait for this game to get here so they can come out to the Coliseum and experience LA and get an old-fashioned Pac-10 butt-whoopin' and go back to the Big Ten."

Don't be shy Carson , tell me what you really think. I actually agree and endorse this message

Blessings,
Steg

Me-Sarcastic?

2008-07-22T08:32:00.002-04:00

While at work, I often get into confrontations with some of my 50-200 workers that I orchestrate on a daily basis trying to get construction projects completed. As arguements heat up, so does my sarcasm. When dealing with some of the characters that i do, sometimes yelling, screaming and sarcasm are a way of life on the job.
The challenge I face everyday is turning off the sarcasm before I hit the front door. Many times this is not accomplished. Yesterday, as I was leaving the job, a worker flagged me down and said I was the most sarcastic SOB he ever met.
I guess sarcasm will go on my list of things to work on. If I add many more I will go to a Hard bound form of a book.

Later Jerks
Steg

2008-07-20T21:34:00.003-04:00

As I was babysitting my granddaughter today at church, I thought about all the things I was willing to do (and did) for my 3 kids while they were growing up. Whether that was confronting a teacher, coach, another parent or neighbor to protect my children, I was always up to the challenge. Now, many years later with grandchildren , I believe after growing up with my children, I am even more prepared to help out.

Now about the pic. On our vacations, we love to hike. We have hiked in Yellowstone, Montana, British Columbia, Yosemite, The Tetons, Alaska and many more. I dream about bears. We have seen so many that I constantly overanalyze what I would do during a bear encounter. I often wondered, while being all alone with the fam in the woods how I would react. I always had a plan--as long as I could outrun 1 person in my family all was good--just joking.

The point being-I would do anything to protect my family. WTH--why the bold print?

As I grow in my faith, I will continue to do more and more for others.Maybe in 5 years or so I'll even swim out and save a bear in distress