8/13/2012
Monday

Hello, world!

Some terrific games in the Olympics, don't you think? Our young American men and women did great, and we can be proud as a nation too. There were many award ceremonies as I listened to our national anthem play and the Olympians glow, and the crowd singing along that I had to choke back my own tears.

I've heard some comments about these games being a waste of money, but I disagree.

Didn't London and the English people do a wonderful and inspiring job of hosting? i think there is a deep down connection between Great Britain and the United States that goes beyond explaining. A kinship and bond that had me in tears of joy for the British people. I simply love that nation.

The Olympic is the one obtainable goal that anyone in the entire world can strive toward. In doing so, many achieve greatness. But it's not only greatness of the medal. It's the personal triumph. The years of focus and individual success.

It's the one thing that brings all the nations together in comradely and good will. The incredible example of human achievement and teamwork for honorable purpose. The athletes who are mentors and role models for the next generation.

How many thousands of 12 or 13 year olds can now have a focus and goal to develop their bodies, minds, and spirits toward a healthy goal over the next ten, fifteen, or even twenty years. They will be better people, better citizens, better children if allowed the chance and resources to stay involved and focused.

I don't think it's a waste of money at all, but an investment.

BACK TO MY REALITY

Had a great workout in the gym this morning. Normally, it's so crowded and "wild" that each exercise station is ten men deep. Fortunately, us older folks (over 45) have been permitted a separate gym assignment from Friday to Monday 8:30 AM. Saturday is super crowded and Sunday, I'm at church. But Friday and Monday, half the guys are at work or school so it is a real blessing for those of us who can go. older bunch are more respectful in general and there's never more than two or three guys at each station. Most can't do more than 30 minutes anyway so it was a great way to begin my day.

Lunch was a weekly dish called "savory stew." It's really just all the leftover vegetables from throughout the week thrown into a pot. String beans, corn, potatoes mostly. And a lot of soy meat. Today, I had to laugh though because the soy meat (think tofu) was ground up so fine it was like a mush. My first bite reminded me of baby food. I really did laugh, but I didn't tell anyone why. Didn't want to spoil their appetites. Don't get me wrong, I know it's a nutritious meal and I am grateful.

It's tough all over, and I have a feeling prison food is going to get a lot worse. Especially in Illinois. State budgets are a mess. This drought hit the farmers in the midwest hard. A couple more years like this will be a train wreck in a corrupt system. I'm just a bystander for now. I can only pray our country can pull out of this downward spiral we're on. We've come through worse, of course, but the "corrections" have always cost a lot in blood and suffering.

End,
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