Author: Randy

Over the past couple of days there have been some tragic events. The terrorist attack over in India and a car accident closer to home here in Pensacola. While one is larger and resonates on a larger global scale, the deaths here during a car accident are easily looked over in larger news, but both are involve the loss of life for no reason which makes them both tragic.

 

The two events have a connection for me as they both involve a lost sole. As I watched the news where they detailed the events that took place in India, one survivor described the details of her exit from one of the hotels that were under terrorist seige. She spoke of being rushed down a hallway by armed commandoes, she noticed blood everywhere. She mentioned she was so thankful for them having removed the bodies so she did not have to see them, but one thing she will never forget was a lone woman’s high heel that sat at the spot where its owner was shot down. A lost sole I am grateful to never have seen although it would make for one powerful image, an image photojournalists live to get. So in that, I do wish I could get that photo. Not for the morbidity of it, but for the documentation of a tragedy. To humanize the event, to help bring it to reality, to let people around the world connect to the event on a relatable level so maybe it would help people realize the brutality of this world. To maybe even help people relate to those that were gunned down, not as some far off foreignors, but human beings just like us all. We are all connected, we are the world.

Then not long after the terrorist attack, the local news told the details involving the car accident. A man had gotten really drunk at a downtown Pensacola bar and got into his car and chose to drive home. He ended up going the wrong way on Pensacola Bay Bridge and running head on into a car driven by a father of three. Both men died on the scene 🙁 And as the news is showing footage, the camera at the scene pans from the crash to a man’s shoe lying alone on the ground with the lights flashing in the background. Another iconic image that I would not like to take a photo of, yet feel compelled to be able document it.

To me there will also be something haunting about a lost solo shoe, something that seems out of place. Hence why I am still inspired to photograph them at any chance I get.

The time had come to take down the crib and store away all of the baby stuff we accumulated. It was so hard for us. It is the reality of Noah never being able to sleep in his room we so lovingly prepared for him. We had so many items in there that are so special to us, hand-picked from many people who wanted to give Noah something from the heart. I knew it would be hard to pack everything away, not only because we had to acknowledge Noah would never be there to sleep in his crib or stare at his toys, or listen to me red his books to me, but also killed a little bit of hope in us. The hope that someday it would get use as a baby’s room. That we would someday get to be the parents we so want to be.

We are currently going to use the room as a “zen” room. Where Sharon can practice massage therapy for select clients. We are going to make it a peaceful room, perfect for getting away and reflecting on life. The room always had a soothing and calming nature to it, but even more so since it was Noah’s room at one time. It is weird, it never had a sad feel to it, or one of loss, but always had an uplifting aura to it.

So we have now taken a big step towards moving forward. There is still a wall which will always be Noah’s wall. We have many of his things on it. We will never let him out of lives, he is forever entwined with our souls. I just hope he gets to have a little brother or sister to look over.

As many of you know we self-published a coffee table type book titled “The One Shoe Diaries Vol. 1: A Journey Across America, One Shoe at a Time. Well a few months back I began writing Vol 2. At the time I titled it Friends, Family and Lost Soles, I did not realize how appropriate the title would be. It was meant to culminate with the birth of Noah, but instead has become a dedication to him. It was the hardest story I have ever had top tell n my life, but at the same time, it is the most awesome story I have ever had the pleasure of telling. Everyone who reads this blog most likely knows the whole story already anyway, but if you have not, or want to read it in the book download the free eBook located here >> Both books, as well as other merchandise is for sale through that link as well. Please realize as self publishers of a 56 page full color book, printing is not cheap so the price reflects very little profit, we hope to bring the cost down if we can get a real publisher. If anyone can help us with a lead, please let us know.

People always ask if there will be a third. That depends on if we are blessed with another child, if not, I think the Diaries will be put on the shelf for a bit. Not sure if the inspiration will be there. Losing Noah really took its toll on my zest for creating art. Finishing the book was all for him.

Also many of you reading this are referenced in the recent book, either by a photo, or in a story. If I left anyone out I sincerely apologize as I value everyone’s friendship and we are thankful for all of our friends and family! I hope you enjoy reading about us and the magical events that happened to us. We do not like to call them tragic, because everything happens for a reason, and we truly mean it when we say…
Having Noah was the greatest blessing we ever had, we would rather live it all again, then to have never had him come into our lives. Noah wherever you, we mommy and daddy love you and hope you come back to us.

Our poor friend Alice went in for surgery this past weekend on her neck and the last time we visited she was miserable. I was really amazed how poorly her care has been in this day and age. Especially since she was at the “Best” hospital in the area. Sacred Heart Hospital likes to think they are the leader in healthcare in this area. Maybe this was an isolated event. But as far as I can see, they REALLY need some improvements. For instance, she went into surgery on Friday and as of Sunday her surgeon has yet to even check on her. She has no idea how the surgery went. I thought doctor’s were supposed to check in right after the patient wakes up. Didnt he just get paid thousands of dollars by her insurance company to perform the surgery? The least he could do is ACT like he cares! And also, the fact when she was moved to a room, she was put into a bed with fresh blood stains on the sheets!!! How does that happen?!?! There were quite a few other instances of poor healthcare but I will not get into them. Needless to say I am still shocked at what I witnessed there.

The best thing that Sacred Heart did was having a Wendy’s on location so Sharon could get Alice a frostie which sshe was so looking forward to. I must apologize to Alice as well. I had joked with her concerning all of the time she spends at Doctor’s offices and hosptials that I was going to create a website titled AlicesAilments.com 🙂 She thought I really was going to do it and had been checking for it to come online. But in light of the recent events, maybe I should have created it, so to shed more light on the short comings of the HealthCare industry.

And after seeing all of that, Sharon and I became so much more thankful for the incredible care and treatment we received during Noah’s traumatic ordeal, Albeit at a different hospital, we still got treated sooo much better at Baptist. They took care of us as if we were royalty, or better yet, as if we were family. Thanks again to everyone there that helped us through a horrible time in our lives.

On another happier note, Sharon and I have taken on building a new business, PensacolaFood.com. I can only hope this one will pay off, we have high hopes for it as were are not intending it to get us rich for success. I just wat great participation and visitor traffic. At the very least it can serve as a great advertisement tool for my HamiltonArtAgency and other clients. I think it will all depend on going into salesman mode and going door to door, what a horrible task. That means we are going to have to visit as many restaurants as we can 😉 And we need people to help spread the word for us!!

I am going to come out and say, I voted for Barack. I think he is the answer from the choices we had. Now will he suddenly make the U.S. perfect…I dont think so, but we have to hope someone can make it better than it is right now.

Sharon and I were so excited and nervous on election day. We went early to vote and it was kinda anti-climactic. There was no line, no magical moment. But we did cast out vote towards a new day. On election night Sharon had to teach a class so I was watching the results come in alone. I decided that I wanted to go somewhere to share this historic moment. I remember just down a few blocks from us was the Pensacola Obama headquarters. Located in a black community the energy there was electric. I met several nice people as we watched state by state results come in. Everyone was a little cautious and on edge. Sharon got finished teaching at 9 so she came down to meet me there to see the decision. It came so quickly after she arrived, before I knew it California, Oregon and Washington went blue! And it was over, Obama clinched more than enough electoral votes to win.

The small crowd erupted with cheers and tears, we could not help but get emotional with them. The look of hope and pride on their faces was overwhelming. It is was a very unifying moment. Change was truly on its way. This was another moment in time I will always remember. Everyone was silent and very respectful as McCain spoke, he did an admirable job. I do believe he is a great man, and would have done a great job as president. I just did not think he was what this country needs to get the world on our side again.

I was very proud to be an American. I still am, but it got tainted a bit with all of the ignorance and hate that came out that night and still today. The racial remarks were reprehensible that I heard. My fellow Americans that accuse Barack of being a terrorist are out of line. The attempts to demean him for his color step over boundaries of decency. The image I heard about of the statue of liberty with an Aunt Jemima hat on was deplorable! When is this nation ever going to realize that we can never be great until we rise up as one to abolish the ignorance and hatred that is still very prevalent in our society? Some of my white friends are angry because they think black people voted for Barack just because of his color and not on the issues he stands for. I cannot deny that. But trust me, MANY whites voted against him just because of his color and name. And for the record, over 60% of his vote came from white citizens. People bring up his ties or contacts with terrorists, but how is it, that everyone overlooks the fact that the Bush family is business partners with Osama Bin Ladin’s family!!! Why is that alright? Ignorance, ignorance and ignorance. It has to go. Many white people claim to be superior, they claim to be more intelligent and civil. Well if that is true, why can’t they stand up and set an example and not draw the race card?

And as far as socialism, come on guys. Speaking and reacting out of fear is never good. And also he giving everything to the poor from the rich. He is giving tax breaks and credits, not handouts. If a person does not work, they do not pay taxes, so how can they get a break on something they do not pay anyway? Plus Reagan’s greatest achievement he thought was created the EIC, Earned income tax credit for people who work hard but are below poverty level still to help them out. He was a republican that everyone hails as a great domestic president. I think it is so wrong to see people want Barack to fail, just because of his color and name. Those would would be happier to see him screw up, than to see him succeed, even if it means that America gets better. So if you would be even the least bit happy to see him fail because you voted that he would, you are being petty and selfish. There is only one true American and patriotic choice now. That Barack succeeds beyond anyone’s expectations and makes America once again a beloved and looked up to as a Nation that is a beacon of hope and freedom.

I know I have only been doing this new blog schedule for 2 weeks and already I missed two deadlines. But I have good excuses. Friday was Halloween and I got talked into dressing up and going out that night.

Sharon’s coworker had his and her pirate outfits we could borrow. That did make it easy, but we only had 30 minutes to get ready once she got home. We first went over to a neighbor’s house for a bit to say hey and see what the other neighbors had set up. Being in an old neighborhood makes it scary alone, but the neighborhood likes to really decorate and go all out. Some had fog machines and graveyards, and a few even had monsters rooming the yards with chain saws. There was even a tractor pulling a trailer full of hay for the kids to have a hay ride! I was impressed.

It was hard for us seeing all the children dressed up and going trick or treating, as we could not help but get bummed out thinking about Noah, who would have been almost 4 months now. It would have been fun to dress him up and take him around with us. Too young for him to have fun, but we would have loved it. We are so ready to be parents.

And as we do every year we ended up at Seville Quarters somehow for the halloween party. Nothing out of the ordinary happened this year. It was the same over crowded bar with people dressed up in crazy stuff. And it is always a good excuse for the girls to wear something extra revealing, I think their costumes get smaller every year…but us guys are all for it 🙂

Then this morning I was so swamped with work, I went non-stop from 6:30 this morning until 4:00, and am still not caught up as I write this! I did not even hit the shower yet 🙁 but at least I am working at home.

As for what happened earlier in the week, well we bought another mini van. This time we got one with all the bells and whistles. It has a DVD entertainment system, power everything, leather seats, and most importantly…cruise control. Our other van does not have it and driving on the past long trips have not been fun without it. It is a 2002, Chrysler Town and Country LXi. Without a doubt, the nicest vehicle I have ever owned. We got a killer deal on it, complete with a 2 year 24,000 bumper to bumper warranty.

We had been needing a 2nd vehicle for a while now and decided now was the time. We first looked at Kia since they had a buy 1 get 1 free deal going on. But as we suspected, it was a scam. Then since we were already there, we saw a 2008 Rio and were curious how much it would be. And after a test drive, and the manager telling us he was willing to practically give it away we heard what the offer was. Now keep in mind this is a bottom of the line Kia Rio, no power anything. the sticker on it said 14,000. They offered to give it to us at $17,000. No that is not a typo. They came up $3,000 due to what they called dealer add-ons. ADD-ONS!?!?! There was no radio!! What the f*** were they referring to? The steering wheel? maybe the windshield? There were add-ons alright, add-on additional overcharges!! I just looked at him like he was on crack. He then asked me “Is that too high? What would you expect to pay for a car like that, maybe we can work something out.” I was so angry I just got up and we left. And can you believe that salesman had the nerve to do a followup call with me the next day?!?! I honestly would not have paid over $8000 for that car. The MSRP was $11,000 and they went up to $14000 because of transportation fees and other BS, then went to $17,000! Okay I must digress on this issue.

I have one last thing to say…GET OUT AND VOTE, unless of course you are voting for McCain, then you might want to avoid the lines and go Wed.

Friday evening started out with watching Farenheit 911. Talk about a movie/documentary that will get you angry. I bet even staunch Bush supporters would raise their eyebrows to watch is revealed in there. Was the American public made aware of the very close ties between the Bin Ladin family and Bush family?? Do we really realize what went on when Florida “voted” Bush into the white house? Does it not seem odd that the person in charge of overseeing the election was a former Bush family employee, and the Gov. of Florida was none other than his brother Jeb Bush? And are we aware how many millions the Bush family made in oil profits from their connection with Saudi oil? Amazing we were dupped so bad. This really is a movie that should be seen by all school kids. Just amazing!

We were planning on going to the Voodoo Music Fest in New Orleans but the plans fell through. It was a beautiful weekend, and after spending Sat. running around doing shopping and errands we went to the beach Sunday for volleyball and hang with friends. A perfect day.

I also finally got a photo of our elusive albino squirrel that lives around our house. He is very skittish and I have been “hunting” him with my camera since we moved in but had not been able to get a clear shot, until now. He was hanging out on the ground in the backyard when I spotted him through the window. I rushed to grab my camera and snuck back to the window very slowly. Using my zoom lens I was able to get closer but shooting through the old window made the shot a little out of focus, however I did get a good image of him. One of the things we were curious about was whether he was just a white squirrel or an albino one. With this pic we can see he is in factalbino due to his red eyes. He is the first we have ever seen. But it must be genetic as there is at least one more in our neighborhood.

And there you have it, not a very exciting weekend. And due to getting flack on my political posts I opted not to write about Palin “going rogue”. Or that she is setting herself up for 2012. I am going to let it go today, it is too early to get angry 🙂 Also my heart goes out to the families of the Little Rock Anchor Woman, Anne Presley, who dead after being abducted and beaten. In addition to Jennifer Hudson who lost her brother and mother to a man who killed them then kidnapped her little nephew. I really do think the best and worst animal to be put on this planet is us, the human.