My Dad's Accidents

My father has had his fair share of accidents through the years, some requiring trips to the hospital. Once such accident I was a witness to - and that night I thought I lost him forever. It was a harrowing experience I'll never forget but I will say this, he's taught me very valuable lessons in most of his incidents. I wouldn't say my dad is overly clumsy - he's no Tim Allen by any means. But I am sure if he could do it all over again, he probably would've thought things a little more thoroughly before each incident occurred. But that's life, isn't it? You may have regrets about certain things, but you can never go back and change things. At least in these circumstances, everything turned out alright for him.

One incident involved him cutting the top of this large flower pot with a box cutter. It was a huge pot that was very difficult to carry around. The top of the flower pot got damaged somehow - I don't remember how. Well, it was just the very top of the pot that had a chunk broken off of it and my dad was cutting around the entire circumference of the flower pot and then it'd be as good as new. I wasn't there to witness this particular accident, so I don't know the exact details as how he got cut - and I never did ask him to recount the exact details. I think what happened is the knife slipped away from the flower pot and cut him right in his left arm muscle. It definitely required a trip to the hospital for stitches, but nothing worse than that.

It was several years later that another scary incident occurred, one that could have been much worse than it was. We were at my uncle's garage, just a short drive from our home. We were dealing with this cement mixer that was jamming up and we were needing to use it (it was my uncle's and he has practically everything a person could never need). My uncle had turned the mixer on and my dad was standing in close proximity to it. As the mixer became jammed again, the handle and the spinning drum began to slowly flip over until it was in the dumping position. Well unfortunately my dad wasn't paying attention and the handle of the mixer struck him in the stomach. Luckily it only left a red mark on his stomach and didn't impale him. I think because it was moving at a relatively slow speed, it didn't stab him like it could have. Still, a very scary situation to watch as it happened. Yes, I was there during that one.

And the scariest incident of them all occurred during a cool, fall day at my grandma's farm. It was in 1994 when I was 12 years old. We had just remodeled a part of the house and had brought a ton of demolition material out to my grandma's farm and stored it in an abandoned building that was ready to cave in. My uncle who lived with my grandma allowed us to store the materials there, which then we could set on fire and burn it all. It would be like this one giant bon fire. My dad and I had already transported all of the demolition debris there, so all we had to do is go there and set the building on fire and watch everything burn. We were planning to have a good time with it, so we brought candy and sodas with us. He also brought along gasoline - plenty of gasoline. Actually, TOO MUCH gasoline. He poured way too much gasoline inside the building and the biggest mistake of all was that he lit the fire with him still inside the building. I had my back turned away from the building when suddenly there was a huge explosion and I was pushed down to my knees by the force of the explosion. I turned around to see the building in flames and me quickly in a panic wondering where my dad was. I thought he was a goner but then suddenly, I see him walking through the flames and out of the building. Yes, he was burned, but thankfully nothing too serious. Just first and second degree burns. But my god, that was probably the scariest night of my life, the night when I thought I lost my dad.

So needless to say, I have a fair share of memories involving my dad's unfortunate circumstances in life. As I mentioned, thankfully they have all turned out okay. He has a few scars but nothing that has lead him to be disabled or disfigured. He's been able to enjoy his life despite a few hiccups along the way. And I am hoping to have him around for a lot longer into the future. It's incidents like these, especially one in which you're a witness to a potential fatality, that makes you realize how precious life can be. You can't take life for granted and it's very important to live life to it's fullest. That's probably the greatest lesson of all that my dad has taught me.

Songs I Dig - 21

The Songs I Dig blog is back and we are now on our 21st edition! That means we're legal (sorry, dumb joke). There are a few new songs that have come out recently that I've found myself enjoying, so what better way than to write about them in the latest SID blog. They are very pop-oriented songs - no R&B or rap this time around. And one of them makes an appearance on the blog for the very first time - and I doubt it'll be the last time you see him here, either. On with the review!

Bruno Mars - "Just the Way You Are" : 2010 was a very big year for Bruno Mars - and it wasn't until later in the year when he released his debut album! He helped co-write several popular hit songs as well as having his vocals featured on most of them. "Nothing on You" by B.o.B and "Billionaire" by Travie McCoy were two of the songs you heard Bruno in. "F*** You" by Cee Lo Green was one of the songs he helped pen. And now, the first single off his debut album "Doo Wops and Hooligans" has already skyrocketed to number one. "Just the Way You Are" is a simple song - yet it has a very effective message. Bruno's second single has already raced to the top of the charts and I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot of him in the year's to come.

Pink - "Raise Your Glass" : You want to talk about a catchy, new party anthem? Pink's newest song from her first greatest hits album fits that mold. "Raise Your Glass" is from the album titled "Greatest Hits ... So Far!!!" and the song has already topped the charts in the United States and has become her second solo number one song of her career (third overall). Pink is heading into some downtime in the months ahead with the expected birth of her first child. But what a way to start that downtime with a hit song. It's a fun song that you can't help jamming to. It's one of those songs that says no matter what race, color, sexual orientation, or personality an individual might be - just to raise your glass in promoting all equality. We are one human race so let's embrace it.

Katy Perry - "Firework" : Katy is back on the SID blog with the third single from her current album "Teenage Dream." "Firework" has quickly raced to the top of the charts worldwide, peaking at number one on the Billboard Top 100 and becoming Katy's fourth overall number one song and third off the album. At first, the song seems to be a bit out of character for Katy's style; after all, her two previous songs "California Gurls" and "Teenage Dream" are nothing like it. However, it provides a breath of fresh air and sends a very uplifting and positive message from Katy. It's one of those songs that anyone who's feeling down on life can turn to, because the message is a definite self-esteem booster. And who doesn't like a song about Fireworks and a Forth of July reference?

That concludes this edition of the "Songs I Dig" blog. The next edition will feature the always popular Top 10 songs of the year, as we are quickly closing in on the end of the year. As I'm sure some of you recall, I did not post a top 10 songs blog last year as I initially promised. Rest assured, I am working on posting one this year and it will be up before New Year's Eve rolls around. So, be sure and look for that soon. Until then, cheers!

Shows on HGTV

I have always been a fan of home improvement-type shows (and no, I'm not talking about Tim Allen's hit series - although I enjoy that one, too!). The home improvement series called "Hometime" with Dean Johnson that still airs on PBS Sunday remains as one of my all-time favorites. I remember when it used to air in re-runs daily on one of the local stations and I'd watch it every time it came on. Now a days, there are so many different "home" type shows that it's difficult to keep track of them all! Not only do we have the home improvement or do-it-yourself brand of shows, but also home designer shows as well as first-time home buying shows. They are all pretty interesting to me and on one particular cable channel that you can find those varieties of shows is on HGTV.

"Income Property" with host Scott McGillivray is one such show that I find to be intriguing. Typically the show features an individual or a couple who has recently purchased a home and are looking at ways to reduce their mortgage. One such way is to transform the basement or an attic into a rental property. A lot of these spaces are unfinished or in serious need of transformation. Typically, locations in the basement are featured on the show and mold is often a problem when demolition is occurring within a previously finished space - most notably in a bathroom. But more often than not, the end result of any of the spaces featured on this show is a luxurious and beautiful new income property for the respective home owner. Often, it cuts down the mortgage payment buy at least half, if not more. It's really interesting to see what Scott is able to do to a space that is in serious need of an overhaul.

"Holmes on Homes" is another great program on HGTV. It features Mike Holmes, a renovation expert who goes to homes that have previously had renovation work done within a portion of it. More often than not, Mike is able to find shoddy work that has been left behind by the previous contractor which ultimately results in Mike having to re-do the majority of the work. The end result is always better than the first attempt at a renovation. He's uncovered just a ton of problems in all of the homes featured on the series. During a recent episode that I saw, Mike had to completely re-do this front porch on a shared housing complex that these two women owned. The old porch had previously been repaired - but the repairs were very minor and did not address the most important needs. If Mike did not make the necessary repairs - which he ended up tearing the entire porch off the front of the house - that porch would have collapsed that next winter. He created a new sitting area in front of the house and left off the roof. That way, the two women were able to enjoy the sun on those nice, warm days.

"Property Virgins" features host Sandra Rinomato, in which she takes an individual or couple on a tour of potential first time homes. More often than not, the first few homes she takes these individuals to see aren't exactly what they are looking for. They're more in the ballpark, but either the price is too high, or the home doesn't have the right concept. She always asks these individuals what they think the price of each respective home is. Ultimately by the end of the episode, the people featured on the show end up finding the home of their dreams all thanks to Sandra's help. It honestly takes me back to my experience as a first time homebuyer so I can relate pretty easily to all that is going on during these episodes.

"Curb Appeal: The Block" features host and designer John Giddings arriving in a certain neighborhood and completely overhauling one home's exterior that is in major need of word. More often than not, these are homes that are lacking curb appeal, meaning it's lacking a contemporary look. So Giddings, along with contractor Chip Wade, and project manager Kimberly Lacy help transform the home from one of the drabbest to the envy of all the neighborhood. They don't just target one home for added curb appeal, but they typically look at two others in which they do a more smaller-scale makeover - which could be painting, to new shrubbery, to new railings around a porch. It's really interesting to note the changes that take place in a neighborhood by the time an episode comes to an end.

These are just a few of the most intriguing shows I end up watching on HGTV - obviously there are a ton of others to watch! And hopefully at some point in the future, I'll talk about some more of them. So, if you are into these kinds of programs like I am, be sure to check out HGTV. You never know what you might find!

Dealing with Anxiety

You honestly don't know what having anxiety feels like until you experience it first hand. I remember when my ex-brother-in-law took medication for it - and we'd secretly make fun of him behind his back for it (there's more to that particular story though, partially because he is no longer married to my sister). But having anxiety is no laughing matter - especially once you realize you have it. I have no doubt in my mind that I am suffering with anxiety these days. I've probably had it for some time but the sensation that the disorder brings has been getting worse and worse for me. Lately I just have not been feeling normal. I have been tense and worrying a lot lately - and for no apparent reason for it. My blood pressure is elevated, have been more irritable, especially at work, and have had certain bouts of headaches. I honestly believe it's related to work, although things there are better than they once were. I don't understand why people have to suffer from it but I know there are medications out there to help it. I certainly think that will be the next step I need to take.

I've had certain instances prior to this year where I've had anxiety attacks - but they've been brief and I've gotten over those particular attacks on my own. But I'm not much of a social person, especially in larger groups. Those certain situations make me tense, and most nervous. For awhile I was a fill-in boss where I work and it got to a point where I just became too nervous and stressed out to deal with that particular job. At work, especially in the industry I'm in, you deal with a variety of personalities. And when you're a boss, you try your best to make everyone happy. Well, ultimately no matter the decisions you make, you still manage to upset someone. I have to deal with a co-worker everyday who is very unpleasant to deal with and who I'd rather not having anything to do with. So to be his boss, even if it's on a temporary basis, is something that is a monumental challenge for me. So I gave up the fill-in bossing job because it became too much of a hassle and was stressing me out more than I was liking.

Earlier this year, I switched to the current crew at work that I am currently on. That's when the anxiety got to be more pronounced than ever before. It wasn't just a one-day thing; it lasted for weeks. Finally I began to get comfortable with my surroundings and the anxiety went away. Much of this summer, I was fine. But now, within the past two or three weeks, it has come back, and I really can't pinpoint a certain reason why that is. Like I said, I am comfortable with the situation at work now and my personal life is fine. So why am I feeling so lousy, like something bad is about to happen? I guess we don't understand why the brain acts the way that it does. I certainly don't understand why I am so affected by anxiety. I am a pleasant person with good intentions. Why am I targeted by this?

I have not yet gone to see somebody about this latest bout of anxiety but I think I ought to and the sooner, the better, too. No person should ever feel this way - and I'm not the least bit comfortable dealing with it, either. But I guess I am at a loss at where I should go. Do I go see my family doctor and talk to him about it? Or do I make an appointment to see a therapist? Part of me doesn't want to see anyone about it - thinking that it'll go away on its own and knowing that I'll need to take medication for it on a regular basis. Yet, it becomes a health concern for me. If I continue to ignore it, I know my health will go down hill. And I am hopeful that if I do see someone about it and get prescribed something for it, that it will change my life for the better. I guess all that remains to be seen. But yes, I have decided that I must see someone regarding my anxiety. It will lead to a much calmer life for me.

Fire Arm Deer Season

We're in the midst of the first week of the fire arm deer season across the state of Michigan. Here in the Upper Peninsula, it's one of those huge November traditions in which generations of people have enjoyed. The thrill and excitement of the hunt goes way back to the pioneer days. Today, the means in which to go hunting involves much more modern technology. However, the hunting experience still remains. Just the idea of bagging an eight, ten, 12, or bigger point buck allures many - and it's not just the trophy that entices a person to hunt. Many enjoy the taste of venison meat that comes from hunting deer. Whatever the case, the woods are full with hunters right now. This time of year is when the U.P. and its people are at their best.

As for me, I'm not a hunter. In fact, I've never gone to hunt once. Back when I was in sixth grade, I took a hunter's safety course just in case I ever ventured into the woods to hunt. Once you pass the hunter's safety course, you get this orange-colored certificate that you get to keep. I guess my lack of interest in hunting involves a couple of things. The first is that I don't care much for guns - especially loud ones. My hands and arms would be trembling if I was able to spot a trophy buck. And secondly, I was never exposed to any kind of hunting as a kid. My dad wasn't a hunter and I am sure if he hunted, then I'd be out in the woods these two weeks. I have an uncle and a cousin who are really into hunting deer on my mom's side of the family, however, I never really grew that close to them. Other than they, I really didn't have anyone else that I could tag along with to hunt.

You definitely know when it's hunting season once you begin to see the bright orange clothing that people wear when hunting out in public. Whether it's to the bank, the grocery store, or during a leisurely walk. And actually, it's probably not a bad idea to wear bright orange while going on walks if you happen to be close to a wooded area, in case there are hunters nearby. A person can easily be mistaken for a deer - it's not like it hasn't happened. So far, I've heard of one hunter in the Upper Peninsula that has gotten injured from taking a bullet to his foot - he accidentally shot himself. Hey, it happens - you just have to be aware of what you're doing when you have a gun in your hands.

And to conclude this week's edition of the "U.P. Monday" blog, I'll leave you a clip of one of the most famous deer season anthems created by a musical group from the Upper Peninsula. They are called "Da Yoopers" and have a variety of hilarious songs you can listen to (they deserve a blog posting all their own). Just search for them on YouTube and you'll find a few of their most famous musical creations. With the second week of deer season right around the corner, to honor that particular occasion, here is one of "Da Yoopers" famous tunes called, "Second Week of Deer Camp."

Kid Rock's "Born Free" Video Features Part of U.P.

THIS IS A SPECIAL UPPER PENINSULA BLOG POSTING

It was about a month ago when Kid Rock made a visit to the Upper Peninsula to film a majority of the video for his latest single "Born Free." The filming took place within Alger County, specifically along the Lake Superior shore and at Pictured Rocks. As you watch the video, you'll see views of Miner's Castle, Miner's Beach, Murray's Bar on Grand Island, the Sand Bar with the flag at Sand Point, and the shots of Kid Rock riding a motorcycle are along H-58 between Munising and Grand Marais. Also the shots in the field are from near Chatham. I grew up within Alger County so to see something like this is pretty awesome. I know that Kid Rock loves the state of Michigan (he grew up near Detroit), so it's especially nice to see him showcase the U.P. I know when news broke last month about Kid Rock's short arrival to Alger County to film the video of "Born Free," it was a big deal. And as you can see, we all know why.

(Correction: The field scenes featured in the video were apparently shot somewhere downstate and not in the Upper Peninsula.)

The State of Superior

The Upper Peninsula as the 51st state in the union. It's a nice thought, now isn't it? In certain ways, it's a novel idea. However, there are many logistics that make the idea unrealistic. The idea to turn the Upper Peninsula into it's own state has been attempted before, but has failed to be achieved. The last time an effort was mounted into making the U.P. a state was in the 1970's, when long-time Michigan House of Representative Dominic Jacobetti formally introduced legislation to make the Upper Peninsula, which would go under the state name of "Superior," its own state. The idea never really gained much traction, although at the time, certain residents in the U.P. and even northern Wisconsin felt they were being ignored of their concerns at the state level in Lansing and Madison respectively, thus, they joined the efforts to make the state of Superior more than just a dream.

There were a few other attempts prior to the 1970's at creating the new state of Superior. Sometime in the 1960's, legislation was being proposed to secede from Michigan and to join the state of Wisconsin. After all, the U.P. does have more of a connection land-wise than it does with the Lower Peninsula. The 906 area code was even designated for the Upper Peninsula for this reason. Yet as we all know now, those plans failed. In 1962, an Upper Peninsula Independence Association group was formed for the purpose of beginning the process of making the U.P. its own state. 20,000 petition signatures were collected for the effort to secede from the state of Michigan in order to make it a ballot initiative - some 36,000 signatures short.

So as you can see, efforts have been made in the past to turn the U.P. into its own state. Going even further back, parts of Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin, along with the U.P., were considered as part of a new state either called Superior or Ontonagon. Could you imagine how cool it would be to have a state named Ontonagon, as part of the United States? People from downstate have a hard enough time pronouncing Ontonagon as it is - can you imagine if everyone else in the country had to? With that being said, there's a major reason why many of these attempts at statehood have failed. It's largely because of population, or lack thereof. The Upper Peninsula alone has a population of 320,000 people. A state including all of the U.P.'s 15 counties would make it the state with the smallest population in the country. However, it would rank as 40th in land mass, larger than Maryland.

Not only would the U.P.'s small population inhibit future attempts of statehood, but the U.P. could not survive if it was not apart of another state like Michigan or Wisconsin. Even though we get frustrated and feel ignored by the politicians in Lansing, the U.P. does receive a healthy amount of funding by the government in our state capital. There's no question that times are tough in the state. With the failing auto industry and state unemployment figures still well into the teens, the state government has been cutting back funding to a variety of programs. How can you hand out money when there is none to hand out? Even in these desperate times, Michigan does its fair share in supporting the Upper Peninsula. The Lower Peninsula would struggle even further in losing the U.P. and vice versa.

So as you can see, issues that plagued the attempts of statehood back in the 1960's and 70's would continue to be a problem today if such an attempt were made in present times. Honestly, I think it's much better to leave well enough alone despite the fact that the creation of the state of Superior would be a unique and novel idea. I just don't know how the state of Superior would be able to support itself with just 320,000 of residents. I think if any idea were to succeed, it would be for the U.P. to become a part of Wisconsin - or at least the western half of it. However, I highly doubt anything will change in that regard. If the U.P. were to become its own state, it would've needed to happen much sooner in history than in today's times.