Being Good

This is a picture of my Grandfather, Elmer Thompson. Each of us has someone that comes to mind when we think 'good person', 'kind', 'honorable'. For my family, he is that person. I'm not sure, but I don't think the Catholic Church allows non-Catholics to be Beautified or Sainted. Otherwise, I'd be calling him, Saint Elmer. Actually, I already do.

I try to live to his example, and I do mean, example. He walked the walk, and rarely ever talked it. He lead by showing the path, not talking about it. He was a good man, and lived a good life. A simple life. In this day and time, it's difficult to follow his path. It gets sidetracked with stuff, and I do mean stuff.

Granddad made living a good life look easy. I'm not sure how. I imagine he struggled with issues, just as anyone, but I wonder what kept him on course. Maybe, that is for each of us to determine.

Why does it seem so hard to 'be good' in today's world. I know I've fallen short. Just ask my ex wives. Yes, plural. Ask my friends. Ask my family. They know my short-comings. I struggle, just as anyone does, and I fail sometimes. When I do, I try to make ammends, as best I can.

It's interesting how, instead of a sports figure, or businessman, inventor, politician, on anyone of renowned accomplishment isn't my role model. A simple man is.

Okay, enough of the thought provoking material. On to my life. Simple.

I trained my clients, this morning. Nancy had already walked the dogs, so I missed out on that. I'm such a creature of habit. I woke up with another sinus headache, and it didn't really seem to go away, until it rained.
I went to orientation at Sports Authority today. Pretty basic, straight forward stuff. I think it will be a good compliment to my business, especially during the holiday season. That's when many clients tend to slack off a bit, for obvious reasons. It's also when retail picks up, for obvious reasons.
My class is off for two weeks. It meets just once a week, on Tuesday nights. I studied today, and slacked off tonight. I'm looking forward to getting into this major. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do with it. Knowing my unique ways, I'll probably do something fun. Hopefully, I'll be able to make a decent living, without compromising my principles.

This is a picture of a hike my brother and I went on, the day after Christmas a few years ago, in Talula Gorge North Georgia. See the water behing me? I fell in it, just moments after this picture was taken. It was about 35 degrees outside, and 40-45 degrees in the water. I got to feel the effects of hypothermia that day. It's probably the closest I've come to death. I'm writing a short story about it. I'll need some help from my brother. I don't remember much for about 20 minutes after hypothermia set it. Just bits and pieces. The only thing I remember was how bad I just wanted to go home. Obviously, I made it. It was an adventure, and I'm glad I made the trip. I don't like cold water at all, though. Anything under 90 degress feels cold to me.

I think one of the reasons I go to Disney so often is because my Granddad loved it. He was a good, responsible man, but still a kid at heart.