Just who and what are you?
What makes you tick?
Accomplishments, fears, proudest moments,saddest moments....whatever you want.
We could enter TheMan territory or we could just get weird.
Could go either way.
What you got?
Ok y'all (trademark yonkersguy)
What makes me tick
Being happy.
Having enough to eat and drink.
A roof over my head.
Music.
Stories.
Remembering every day how lucky I am to be alive.
Seeing beauty in everything.
Having someone to share it with.
The cats.
My grandchildren, this is the payoff for having children...you'll all get it one day!
I'm not ambitious, I don't get that.
Ditto materialism.
Being ambitious is overrated. IMO
It can take time away from the things that truly matter.
You have a good head and seem to have a good balance.
It does take awhile to find it though doesn't it?
It took me 40 years to find love, real love. I can't think of anything else that matters more can you?
It does take a while to find it yes and by the time you do and have wisdom to impart, well you become invisible. Sadly.
There's nothing like finding that one person who will be there no matter what.
Knowing that no matter what happens somebody will be there for for you
and have your back.
It's a tremendous thing that many never find.
Just seems backwards doesn't it. Seems we should be able to find it earlier so we can
appreciate it longer.
Maybe if we did we wouldn't really appreciate it though?
Maybe not, maybe going through crap makes you appreciate the good stuff even more? I think it did for me. I know I'll never take it for granted but it's terrifying too, the thought of losing it.
You had some really good stuff and you lost it, yet you still have an awesome capacity for love and generosity and no bitterness. You are heroic.
I do believe that.
I used to take things for granted so much. I now appreciate everything so much more.
It is scary but eventually we will all lose it. Enjoy it while we can.
Oh please, nothing heroic about it.
Everybody in the world has lost something. What we do after is the main thing.
We either give up or we become a better person.
Luckily for me I was able to become a much better person.
We had a conversation tonight me and Mr.D, regarding his recent tests and our relief that everything was ok. I said, you know one day we are not going to be so lucky, one day it will be cancer or a stroke, or heart attack for one of us. Not being morbid, just realistic.
You know that for every you there are folks that fall into despair and never crawl out, over much less.
I'm complimenting you. Just take it ffs.
Its very true.
One day will be "that" day. Plan ahead and don't take anything for granted.
Love your family and tell them you do like it's the last time you'll see them.
Best advice I can give.
Fine, I'll just take the compliment under duress.
Just don't say heroic. That's just not true.
You've had just as much as I have.
I haven't had any real major accomplishments.
Today I did hear some great news that really made me happy.
Last Christmas I "adopted" a family.
The parents had both lost their jobs and their home.
A horrible situation with 3 kids.
I originally had just planned to do gifts but when I found out what happened and I knew I could do more.
Got them furniture, clothes, food, beds and donated one of my trucks to them.
Got a message from my friend today with a letter attached from the family.
I wanted to do this without them knowing who did it.
They were thankful and more importantly they are now thriving!
Both have good jobs and the kids are great.
Made me feel incredible, not only that I could help them but that they took advantage of it
and are now able to live their lives and be happy.
Not a great accomplishment but one that is very fulfilling to me.
Fantastic, what's great is that a leg up helped them to help themselves.
I remember you telling me what you were doing at the time, within 6 months you've changed their lives for the better. That IS an accomplishment.
Every time I get a text I'm assuming the worst nowadays.
When I read this I got very emotional.
In a good way for a change.
Came at a perfect time for me.
I'm just so proud of them that they did this and I don't even know them!
Dewey, you underestimate yourself. It is a spectacular achievement. Changing a life for the better always is.
I once had a girlfriend who was a call girl. I took her away from her pimp, who was supposed to be one of the most dangerous in Boston; she was terrified of him. She had dropped out of college in favor of working in The Life. I got her back into Emerson College, an outstanding performing-arts school. She was graduated, married a musician, and they had a daughter.
A few years ago, a 19-year-old young lady started work in my department. She wanted me to teach her how to sell. She was drop-dead beautiful. Guys would just walk up to her and put the paper with their phone number on it in her hand. She was going to a community college, hoping to become an EMT when she was graduated. She didn’t know it when we met, but she was intellectually gifted, blessed with instant learning. No one in her family had gone to college, and had not recognized her gifts. Because of her beauty, the world hadn’t given her much incentive to develop her mind. I became her mentor, and taught her who she really was, and not to put limits on herself based on others’ expectations. Today, she is a student at the University of Massachusetts, working on her BS in biochemistry, with the goal of earning her doctorate.
Thank you RK.
I'm a big believer in paying it forward. I try to do it whatever I can.
Sounds like you do the same.
You should be proud to have helped these two women.
Imagine what the world would be like if everybody helped just one person like this.
This is wonderful to hear...WOW
Im not surprised that you did this...you are class ALL the way dude
Forgive me for saying this as we are both silly smartasses most of the time but i consider you one of the finest Gents ive ever encountered online!
Good for you...you never fail to impress
This was quite touching
I got pretty emotional when I got the message today.
Made me feel good that something I did paid off for somebody.
You do a lot but most of the time you never really know.
Got a little sentimental today.
We do tend to go on from time to time don't we.
I appreciate the kind words my friend.
I might say the same about you.
Great respect!
Really a sweet thing to do
I am quite happy to know you buddy
You've just made my day.
I'm so happy there are people like you in the world, and am honoured to know you. IMO, that *is* a great accomplishment!
My day was made too when I received this text.
It's a great feeling to know that you've made a difference.
We all do what we can. Nice to actually see it in action.
I've been lucky to have met some great people on here and IRL.
You know you're right on that list.
Thank you
"It's a great feeling to know that you've made a difference."
It is. Not that I've made as much a difference to someone's life as you did in the case of this family. That's *five* people, whose lives you truly helped turn around! It's a veritable bonanza of making a difference!
Thank you, and ditto that.
To answer your OP, there are only two things I can think of offhand I consider to be my greatest accomplishments that I'm proudest of.
One was taking care of both parents and doing whatever was in my power to allow them to pass away peacefully at home. It was tough, but I did it.
The second was the year I spent rehabilitating and part-time fostering a dog that had been returned 3 times to the shelter and was considered unadoptable. She wouldn't have been euthanised because it's a no-kill, but she would have spent the rest of her life there, and she was only 2. But after a year working hard with her, telling the rescue exactly the kind of home she needed, finally she found the perfect home!!
bless you man
shareWell, I had to do something.
Baseball was over three months away and I just couldn't take it!
I won't ask you ask you about these donations being tax deductible. That would be a bad accountant's joke.
Your Red Sox are doing just fine.
lol.
You accountants, always on the clock aren't you.
Believe it or not didn't claim anything. Wouldn't really do me any good.
I'm sure you're cringing right now.
We are doing fine and I can't complain.
I was surprised and yet not surprised they let Hanley go.
I am an extra-terrestrial, or might as well be. I am strong and curious, but sensitive and abrasive. I've been to 4 continents. I speak 2 languages. I am a college dropout and a hippie. I am a writer and a ponderer. I am poor in captial and rich in ideas. I'm underutilized. I'm a minority and prejudiced. I'm a decent cook and getting better all the time. I've been a drug experimenter and a lover of the arts. I am an artist. I am an American. I've been ashamed and proud. I've been sad and occasionally happy. I am old and I am young.
shareThis all sounds like you're PeteRose.
I think we all struggle with trying to be accepted for what and who we are.
For some it's easier for others not so much. But everybody at one time has had doubts about it.
At the end of the day the only person we need to do well by is ourselves.
The rest doesn't really matter.
It took me a long time to realize this.
For me PeteRose is a good person.
What's your go to dish that you cook?
[deleted]
Im motivated by the fear of failure...I get up early and press the attack every day (3 hour round trip to the city but the money aint bad)
The thought of being a bum makes me feel sick inside
I deserve more than a park bench and yesterdays newspaper for a blanket.
I earn and fight like a badger, hell, id be very happy to take all comers
Im houseproud...ALWAYS working on The Shogun Ranch...love to help the neighbors too
Had a Tornado a week and a half ago...
Been buzz sawing the neighbors yards with them...clearing brush and trees-
Show love, get love;)
Community is very important to me
Im considered a rather big deal at my office...truth be told i often have no clue what im doing
I just push on in a bossy manner and it all seems to work out
I use foul language frequently during angry office moments and i should cool it with that
Im trying...
Met a gal on April 14th, 2002 and made a date with her...things went swell but on our 5th or 6th date i took her to a club in Manhatten...i wound up beating the shit out of an off-duty NYPD cop in Hell's Kitchen on the West Side Highway over a traffic dispute..he was bleeding when the first of 5 squad cars came screeching onto the scene
I gave my wallet and keys to a friend figuring i was going to the lock-up
Turned out the bloodied cop admitted he started it, i just finished it and the other Cops let us both go!
LOL!
This gal of mine slapped my face til i was pink on the cab ride home...
We have been happily married for 15 years and she made me promise to never punch anyone again
I have kept up my end of the bargain although there are a few fist shaped holes in my garage wall...
Im always trying to be a better guy...
Nice thread Amigo
We all have our motivations don't we.
That thing that drives us to be what we are.
From what I know of you I would be/am proud to call you a friend.
Somebody I would have in my life in the real world.
Especially if you're cutting up trees for me!
How did you beat up a cop in HELL'S KITCHEN and live to tell the tale?
That incident helped shape you into what you are today. It wasn't a total waste.
Pivotal part in your life.
You may have a few holes in your garage but you'll become an expert in mudding and fixing drywall.
Negative then a positive.
Thanks for sharing!
Yes...im motivated to be a better guy
Im not super proud of the asshole i used to be
Oh yeah...im handy with the tools and go ALL in for the neighbors...i have a couple of properties to visit tomorrow with my tools-
Neighbors...its ALWAYS good to spread the goodwill
I beat up that Cop like i beat up the rest of the guys that needed a whooping
VERY few fellas actually want to fight...AND THAT is your opening my man;)
Square off real fast, slip a few jabs to the mid section (nobody expects an opening salvo of body punches...lol...they always lose their shit when this happens)
Finish with a few shots to the jaw and nose as he folds...believe me, i got my ass kicked a few times too so i know how it goes
Strike first and dont stop punching
Sorry...that was rather unpleasant...im really a peaceful dude
Im very pleased to know you Dewey...you are quite a great fella!
Thx man
I wasn't always the best person either.
Events in my life made me the person I am today.
The biggest tragedy in my life turned out to be the biggest blessing in my life.
I can honestly say without that happening I wouldn't be this person. Negative into a positive.
I haven't been in many fights and none in over a decade. Won some lost some.
Other than that sales clerk at Sears. She was just the worst. Kicked my ass if truth be told.
Nice to have some pointers from an expert. I may have to start practicing this tomorrow just in case!
Im sorry that anybody gives you ANY SHIT man!
This really pisses me off
You are clearly a very cool dude...who the hell is messing with you!?!
That Sears lady sounds like a real dipshit...some people are just the worst
Im no expert at fighting...the violence is just easy is all and i can take a beating like you wouldnt believe...my dad was pretty strict about preaching 'how to stand up' and he always stressed 'to the death'
My Pop is a fine fellow
I have a good record but im no Rocky Balboa...i got beat up plenty!
Always went back for seconds though...The blood in my mouth always felt right... It tasted like i deserved it and attacking a guy that just beat me up while i was spitting blood tended to alarm the big tough guys...they would just run away
I have a feeling you have no quit in you either
Some fellas dont stop
Glad to be in your company Amigo
You don't have to be "Rocky Balboa" in order to defend yourself
There are more subtle and effective ways to do it
I sure would like to hear your plan...but if it involves Lara Croft or Carrots ill just continue to take face-punches...
Seems easier!
Kind of my fault for even going into a sears!
I don't like beatings. Not a big fan of pain.
Probably why I try to steer clear of altercations. Peace, love, dope and all that.
Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.
Some people just don't get it. I can respect that.
Sometimes wish I had more of that in me.
I never quit. Not in my DNA.
This also includes the bad things so take that for what it's worth.
Sometimes you know when to quit,not getting involved in something that may become bad for you
Personal experience
That's very true.
Survival instinct.
Sometimes you do need to fight though.
Sometimes walking away is something you can't do.
Care to share your personal experience?
Right then..a few months ago I worked in another city and I shared a room with my sister..my parents insisted to do so
The next thing I know,my mother told me that my own sister sayd I've forbidding her to talk with the other lads
My own sister
[deleted]
What makes me tick🤔a good challenge.I'm a "go get it,see what happens"kind of person
Que sera,sera
Whatever will be, will be.
The adventurous type.
I can respect that.
Do you plan for anything in your life or it just depends on the day?
Like any guy,I also want to start a family,kids,a wife
shareWhat would be your perfect realistic life?
Not a fantasy life just one that you could realistically get.
What kind of a normal life would you be happy with?
Nothing is perfect
I can see myself married,two spoiled brats - sorry,kids - I wish to have a son to pass my legacy
A beatiful,not to big,garden
My daughter should look just like her mother
Perfect is in the eye of the beholder.
We all make our perfect life. So it can be done.
Whatever you want in your life you can make happen.
It's not easy but it can be done. Nobody ever gets everything in life they want but
that doesn't mean it's any less of a life.
We all make do with what we're given.
Go get it croft! Make your life happen.
YonkerSguy inspired me.
I used to think my biggest fear was death.
Recently I've found out that I don't fear death. Not being here doesn't scare me at all.
I think my biggest fear is not being needed. That the world and people can and will go on without you.
Self importance I'm sure is a part of it. The realization that you're not as important as you thought you were.
I'm a fixer. I feel the need to fix everything and solve other's problems or to at least be there for them
if they do need something. Not always realistic.
Being needed has many variants. Needed at work, needed at home, etc....
I haven't felt I've really been needed for quite some time. So sometimes I think I create the need to be needed.
Volunteering, doing "good deeds" and things like that.
Most times it's extremely fulfilling.
I really have nobody relying on me for anything (other than the pups).
So the thought of not being needed for anything scares the hell out of me sometimes.
Enjoyed this thread a lot my friend!
shareNot much happening with this thread but sometimes we need to cleanse and keep it real.
shareIt's a bit intimidating to some...cathartic for others. I kinda avoided posting because I've put it out there a lot on these boards...nice to see others deeper thoughts fears dreams etc. Solid thread mello my man!
shareI hear ya brother.
I've never understood why it's so hard for people to be real on these places.
I get that people will pounce on you and turn it against somehow.
What does that really matter?
You can't have a real conversation because you're labeled a drama queen or a looking for attention.
We talk about (or should be talking about) these things IRL so why not here.
Different people's perspectives and thoughts can never be a bad thing.
I don't know, I'm in a bit of a somber mood tonight I guess.
WORD! Some of my most profound accomplishments on this board were made possible by merely opening up. Talking openly about the love I have for my wife or my mother's current victory over cancer...both could have gone tits up...especially if I would have sweated it. But in the end...people were kind and very possitive...even managed to mend some fences to boot!👍
I find somber moods follow great accomplishments. I always reckoned it to a what now situation. My usual remedy is...do it again...but better or more! Maybe starting a non profit so you could make a bigger difference...or finding a way to network more potential adopters by giving some type of testimonial on the success you and the family achieved. Whatever you land on...I'm sure people will be helped by your generous spirit!
For the most part people around here are good and caring people.
Glad you were able to get some of that love back.
That's the cool thing about giving. It can become addictive.
You want to do more and more of it.
You want people to feel what you feel.
It's even better than the CoCo!