Another small piece to the puzzle

This is in relation to The Meaning.  It's only a small piece of the whole puzzle but still a piece somehow.  It's the first time have seen a list like this before.  The full article has more "stuff" in it, and I've lifted a good portion of it here.  Italicized (and bulleted) is verbatim

In other news, have been riding scooter around recently.  All Hail the Scooter!  Will be having a multi-series post regarding that.

On to the Meat..

Strong Relationships

Use relationships to teach you how to be whole within.

• Relationships aren’t about having another person complete you, but coming to the relationship whole and sharing your life interdependently. 

This is soo true in what I've seen.  Relationships are for the mutual benefit of both (or more?) parties.  Ones that are mainly one sided might last awhile, but it's like running a marathon one legged, takes a huge amount of effort from the one leg.

See your partner for who he or she really is.

• When you realize that more often than not you don’t really know your partner, you begin to discover who they are and how they change and evolve.

Most couples I see, at least on the surface, don't have this deep understanding of each other, and don't realize, or understand, what this truly means.  Nor do I truly understand what this means.  I feel that it's a special bond between two individuals where they just "know" each other subconsciously.

Be willing to learn from each other.

• The key is to see the other as a mirror and learn from the reflection how you can be a better person.

I don't think this is limited to people, but rather our pets too.  I am going through this process with Olivia now and don't fully understand why she does some things.  Scatter and I bonded almost instantly, but she's a different matter.  Olivia and Scatter bonded well too, after she came out of her initial hiding.

Get comfortable being alone.

• By feeling safe and secure to be on your own within the framework of relationship, you will feel more complete, happy, and whole.

If one is uncertain, or overly needy, about their role in a relationship, or even a slight bit unhappy, this undermines the whole relationship.  It's like building a Bugatti frame with aluminum foil (like Reynolds Wrap (nothing against them)).  Everything looks great in terms of the relationship, but at the slightest breeze everything crumples.

Look closely at why a fight may begin.

• If you become aware of what you fear about intimacy, you’ll have a better sense of why you’re fighting—and likely will fight far less.

Am pretty sure this is another piece of The Meaning I have yet to uncover.  Some people have alluded to certain things but will find out the reason(s) soon enough as my conscious memory holds no clue.

Own who you are.

• We generally grasp at romantic love because we’re yearning for something that is out of reach, something in another person that we don’t think we possess in ourselves. ... You can only get from another person what you’re willing to give yourself.

 Enough said here.

Embrace ordinariness.

• After the fairy-dust start of a relationship ends, we discover ordinariness, and we often do everything we can to avoid it. The trick is to see that ordinariness can become the real “juice” of intimacy. The day-to-day loveliness of sharing life with a partner can, and does, become extraordinary.

Believe that this ties back into so many of the other items above.  For me, and my feeble thought process, this is the meat, the crux, of a relationship.  It's why, in most (if not all) of the long term relationships I've seen while RV'ing, couples still have that little spark in their eyes when they are near each other!

Expand your heart.

 

• To create real intimacy, get in touch with the spaciousness of your heart and bring awareness to what is good within you.
• It’s easier to recognize the good in your partner when you’re connected to the good in yourself.

A good number of people seem to either overlook this step, or are blissfully unaware of it.  As a result of being unhappy with who we are, this translates directly into the relationship by not always recognizing the good your partner brings to you.

Focus on giving love.

• The unintentional outcome of loving others more deeply is that we are loved more deeply.

Now that I can say this word, the ability to give, and receive true love is a massive part of any relationship, and impacts it in more ways than we know, or understand.  I am finding this out with Scatter and Olivia.

Let go of expectations.

• You may look to things such as romance and constant togetherness to fill a void in yourself. This will immediately cause suffering. If you unconsciously expect to receive love in certain ways to avoid giving that love to yourself, you will put your sense of security in someone else.

I think of this as being similar to watching (expecting) water to boil in a pot.  If you're expecting it to boil, it'll take forever to boil, while if walk away and do other things, it seems to boil of it's own accord (and quicker).  This is, in my mind, a very good analogy for expecting certain things in a relationship.

Summary

Nothing to quote here, but wanted to separate it.

Being around retirees most of the time has definitely opened my eyes to what real relationships are, how they work, and what makes them tick.  Not sure when, why, or how I'll use information have shared today, but who knows, life works in mysterious ways when we least expect it.

Time for a scooter ride!

Thoughts for the Road

I was just in Livingston, TX, where the headquarters for Escapees is, as well as the C.A.R.E. organization that Kay Peterson (founder of Escapees) was instrumental in setting up.  Here I toured the C.A.R.E center and spent some time getting to know quite a few people!  Meeting everyone here was very interesting, yet very humbling, in that a vast majority of us will wind up in the same general physical condition as they are.

One reason I really enjoy Escapees parks is that everyone, well, most everyone, here is very good natured, happy, and upbeat, even if they don't seem like it!  Another (or many) reason(s) why I like Escapees is in an article from the rvers website: article

After more than 36 years being actively involved in Escapees, and probably more years in the RV community, Kay Peterson wrote her last column in the Escapees magazine, where she talks about the stories, and messages, she has shared in more than 200 columns.  As she enters her "winter" season, she shared with us these last nuggets of wisdom, which I share with you, verbatim.

• Believe in your ability to accept whatever challenges life brings.
• To have great experiences, you must be willing to take risks.
• If you jump into a lake, don't complain about getting wet.
• Don't let today's enjoyment get lost in the dreams of tomorrow.
• If you want advice, ask the person who has succeeded.
• Winners don't always come in first, but they enter the race.
• The only real limits are those you accept as being true.
• Don't waste your time on complainers or getting revenge.
• Being in the driver's seat doesn't mean you can run over people.
• Being alone is not the same as being lonely.
• Life is a matter of perspective.  A worm thinks digging is more fun than going fishing.
• Life isn't tied with a pretty bow, but it is still a gift.
• People cannot hear praise at their funeral or see flowers on their tombstone.
• Kindness crosses all barriers and erases all differences.
• If you place someone on a pedestal, don't blame them for falling off.
• Life is a grand adventure to enjoy through all it's seasons.

Memories are the music to which our hearts sing.  I hope all your songs will be happy ones.

A NEW Species!

I have not fully confirmed this so please take it as is, but believe have found a new species, heretofore unknown and undiscovered.  As the evidence is presented, please look past the grainy pictures.  These pictures had to be taken at a higher magnification than normal for my safety.

The first shot I was able to take of this mysterious creature in it's new habitat...  Look at that MENACING mouth.  Am assuming this is how this creature eats, though can't be too sure at this stage.

Menacing

It seems that this creature is a hunter of some sorts due to this striking pose I was able to capture.

I was spotted in this picture, had to run for my life and barely managed to get away unscathed!

The following long range pictures are of this creature in more intimate settings.  My cat, Scatter, was able to befriend this creature and, with his assistance, was able to bait creature with incriminating evidence, in the off chance some "persuasive materials" are needed to coax it out of hiding, or vote for me in a certain manner.

Very questionable.  Wonder what was going through their minds...

Just a simple cuddle, or is it?  Could be deceiving, at least I wasn't chased away.

Is this the afterglow creatures have?

So, while I can't truly ascertain much about this new species without getting closer (which am working on), am pretty positive it's a female.  As such, have a preliminary name for it.

Olivia

Prior to release into it's current environment, was able to get a quick picture of Olivia, but since release has been very difficult to get close to.

Her full album is here (think linked to most of the pictures.

Scatter has an updated album, and his is located here!  But here's a teaser!

Kickstarter, Part Five

Still waiting on item from Post Office, which, oddly enough, UPS supposedly delivers to, so figured would do more KickStarter goodness instead of Scooter update...  i.e. Projects I've backed and whether or not it's good/bad/great/indifferent.

For your reading pleasure, my last installment of Kickstarter, Part Four.

Kickstarter, Funded!

Shroud of the Avatar

This is a game, and one produced by a game designer that's highly sought after.  My reward includes Alpha and Beta access.  One thing, at least with the initial games, is it requires you to be online in order to play it, which instantly turns me off.  Can choose not to play with anyone while "online", but it still requires an internet connection.  Due to this, I haven't given game time enough to prove/disprove itself, but seems like a solid game and very well thought out.  Maybe will enjoy it a little more after they disable the mandatory online connection.

Mind afire: A Graphic Novel of Nikola Tesla

Some may disapprove of my opinion, but it's just that, my opinion.  I truly believe Nikola Tesla is very underrated in terms of what he's given society, not to mention that, upon his death, the government confiscated lots (all?) of his work papers.  He truly was on the way to change the world even more!  If only he wasn't so naive with business dealings.  The Oatmeal nailed his accomplishments home!  I really enjoyed this book, and did receive it in a timely manner with very little, if any, delays (I forget).  Wanted to show my support for a man that no one ever truly understood....  Somewhat like me, but he was much more brilliant, and he remembered his dreams!

Kissing // A Documentary Short

This is another project which have no clue why I backed, but at the time it seemed like a decent idea.  I did get to watch the documentary, but there was some "drama" between some of the people who created it and unsure if it's fully resolved or not.  I do my darndest to avoid drama of any kind.  Think one of the reasons I liked it is that it's a unique topic in that don't think anyone's ever made a documentary about it.  The documentary was very well put together and am quite happy with this project! Not counting the drama.

Kickstarter, NOT Funded!

Whoremoms - A documentary on Sex Work and the Family Court.

While I don't financially support this profession, I do see it as a valid profession that's not fully recognized, or understood, within our country.  In a lot of other countries, like quite a few in Europe, the professionals are subject to strict scrutiny, and protection, under the countries laws, and they're generally seen as providing a valuable service.  In the U.S. it is severely shunned upon, and one of those "trigger" topics politicians use to get voted into office saying they're tough on Sex Workers (a.k.a. Elliot Spitzer).  So, it was with some sadness, that this project didn't get funded, but such is the nature of KickStarter.

The BEST DUVET, made with corners that STAY!

So, I have to admit, something about this totally slipped my mind until just now..  Am a little (a lot) embarrassed by it too, but everyone who knows me understands.  This project wasn't funded as it didn't get the required minimum, however, the project creator still went ahead as she already had the fabric.  I chose to only get the Organic Duvet cover (as have a Nikken Comforter already).  She shipped it out within a month or two of this project not being funded, and sent me an invoice.  Turns out, hence my embarrassment, is that I NEVER PAID her...  OOOOOPS...  She had faith in me to pay and I totally blew it!  Another story of my life, but why am on this journey.  Not sure how will make amends with her but am sure there's something I can do... Reason I liked this project is have been searching for an organic Duvet cover for awhile and never truly found one that I felt good about, until this came along.  I also liked idea of corners that "hung in there".  Want to do that with my comforter but haven't yet.

The 8-Key: 8GB USB Key - Find Your Keys, Save Your Day

This project was over 1/2 way there, but didn't have enough oooomph to make it.  Believe this was before the Snowden revelations.  Am sure if they relaunched this, with better encryption, it would make it.  Encryption, in any form, is always a great idea, and it's nice to see more and more organizations see that!

Internet, current issues.

This is somewhat in relation to the last post (Internet Woes), though it's specifically about what people have been calling Net Neutrality.

Now, to me, and I'm sure most of the public (American and otherwise), this is a no brainer, all traffic should be treated equally over the internet connection you're paying for....

HOWEVER, thank goodness for "capitalism" and the need to try and monetize from every ... single ... (and married) aspect of life, internet included.  Isn't it bad enough that American's are 42nd (or so) in the world for internet speed when we invented the internet?  Seems strange to me and am sure "many" factors are to blame..

While I do my darndest to steer well clear of politics, and for good reason, some politicians don't quite get who they work for.  It's US, you and me, and not some faceless corporation which gave them some cashola to get elected.

I almost never read The Oatmeal, but this struck me as so true!  Please read at your leisure, it's not far off from what can happen, and is already in the works.

Oatmeal's take on Net Neutrality

My apologies for not divulging exactly what has happened to my scooter yet, but kinda waiting on one thing to include...  Will post when have it.

Internet woes... The good and icky of mobile internet

Well, I was quite happy to finally get Reliable Internet back in the day, while bypassing the BIG cell phone companies policies and procedures, and of course, their astronomical rates.

Well, today (actually yesterday) I was totally dismayed about having to bite the bullet and deal with Verizon directly..  Brings shivers to thee spine I tell ya.

For my work, and blog needs, internet is a necessity, as important as water and electricity.  It is this way to most of society too, yet it's not treated as a necessity, more as a "luxury", with a price to match.

NOTE:  This post is more of a rant than anything constructive, so please hit back button if easily offended or don't want to know some of my inner thoughts.  These opinions are my own too, and no one else's.

This directly affected me when got a followup email regarding Verizon's apparent refusal to continue reselling their services through a company called Millenicom.  I was very dismayed when called Millenicom Thursday morning and they confirmed what happened.  Knew it was bad news indeed, though it happened couple weeks ago.  Verizon, being the "good" company they are, gave us an additional week or so in October, to make up our minds.  How kind (insert sarcastic tone)...

For your reading pleasure (I've already read), here is some information regarding what went down that we know about.

http://www.evdoinfo.com/content/view/4918/64/

http://www.rvmobileinternet.com/millenicom-verizon-transition-update/

As a result of this change Millenicom also had to lay off a majority of their workers (so I read someplace).  It was a real pleasure to have dealt with them and I hope they get another alternative soon as will definitely go back!

It seems like Verizon doesn't really like heavy mobile users, or they see a cash cow, as the prices keep going up!!

When first signed up paid $69.99 for 20GB (tax/fee included)

Month after signed up paid $89.99 for 20GB (tax/fee included)

NOW, pay $99.99 for 20GB (PLUS taxes and fees) so approximately an additional $10-15

If highway robbery was legal this would be it.
If Extortion was legal this would be it.
If being sodomized with an unlubed pineapple was legal, this would be the result (stolen from someone on reddit).


Am sure some people are wondering why I say these things about such a fine and outstanding company as Verizon..  Let me shine thy light....

Due to recent FCC talk about "Net Neutrality":
Comments from FCC Chairman Thomas Wheeler

Verizon threatens to sue unless weaker rules are implemented
Verizon caught throttling Netflix traffic, after pay for faster service
Using VPN on Verizon FIOS allows normal Netflix speeds
Verizon intentionally slowing speeds


Supercookies are a THING! And guess who's using them...

Most people will say "This doesn't affect me, why should I worry".  This is a double-edged sword.  On the one hand they're right, it won't affect them if they don't use.  On the other hand, if other companies follow suit (there are only four major cellular providers in the US) then it could affect them.  It's just like when one airline raises, or lowers, their fares, other airlines generally follow suit.  Cell phone providers could act in a similar manner.

There are also certain comments that their CEO has mentioned, but can't recall them nor can I find them in my quick search.

When signing up for the service, I had to call twice. First time was on hold for 45 minutes (yes, forty five) then get abruptly disconnected (yes, hung up on).  Was then on hold for 42 minutes until a nice young lady answered from Maine who got me setup.  I apologize to her as I was a little bit grumpy about the whole ordeal, but she was a pleasure to deal with.  Though am sure will have "adventures" later on.

Compare this to Millenicom, where if I had to call (like to sign up), the phone was answered within five minutes, and everyone I talked to was quite pleasant and happy (could tell it was real happy too, instead of forced happy).

I truly wish there was a clear alternative to broadband for mobile users but sadly there isn't, unless Google, or someone else, can enter the market with some super cheap mini satellite things or unkown alien technology that would render the cellular networks obsolete.  I would consider using T-Mobile, but their coverage, and speeds, leaves a lot to be desired for someone as mobile as me.  Sprint is also an option, but their coverage is abysmal outside of big metro areas.  Could use AT&T also, but they're "almost" as bad as Verizon.

So, here we are, hoping and praying alternatives exist, but finding next to none.  Will see what happens, with a lot of luck will get a better nationwide alternative.