Death is an interesting this to discuss with other people.  It tends to bring out people religious or philosophical stand-points, which are deeply personal and easily insulted.

Speaking from an objective point, my Christian faith is a great comfort to me.  The belief that there is a God watching over us, guiding us through life, and ultimately waiting for us in Heaven makes the prospect of death seem ok.

While this is not the time or place for a religious discussion, death does not scare me, because I believe in a higher place, death is less the end of life and more the end of my time on earth.

I hope that everyone can know the peace that I know.

God Bless Everyone.

Ben

Talking about old age is an interesting thing to listen to.  Everyone seems to have a different perception of it.  Some people I have met are clearly afraid of becoming old.  The speak of it with a subtle nervousness, or the outright "I hope I die before I get old".

But each day is a gift, and many of the elderly people I have had the privilege of interacting with are wonderful.  Each one has lived a full, interesting life.  It is most intriguing to me how little things have actually changed.  The things around us have changed a lot, but people don't change much.  There will always be a group seeking to be different, which will then become normal. People will think they are right, and be shocked and insulted when you tell them they are wrong.

I suppose it goes to show "The more things change, the more they stay the same".

This weeks material couldn't have been more timely.  My wife and I are struggling with how our marriage will change when our little boy arrives.  We are celebrating our 5th anniversary this month, and so far it has been wonderful! We have such a great marriage, that I fear the negative affect that this baby could have.

Everything I have read says that a good marriage is the best foundation for a good family, so I should be in a pretty good place.  It all takes effort, and I fear not having the energy to put into it.

However, I am comforted knowing that many others have endured much worse, and that I actually have it pretty good.  Lord willing, things should go just fine.

This week's material is difficult to read.  And by that, I mean it hits home.

I like to think that I have a pretty good marriage, but with the introduction of a child into the madness, I'm more than just a little worried about what affect this will have on my marriage.

I am very very blessed to come from a great family with two great parents, so I am fortunate to have a good foundation to stand on.

I think I'm going to call my Mom now....

Teenagers

Being the age of 27, I would like to think I have a little perspective on the Teenager's plight.  After this week's material, I think I'm screwed.

I don't remember being that complicated.  Was it really that bad?

Parenting never gets easier does it?

This weeks discussion of parenting style hits really close to home.  My wife and I have been reading baby books, and of course everyone has their opinion and their unwavering reasons why everyone else is wrong and probably damaging their child beyond hope.

Craziness.

When I think about my childhood and my friends childhoods and all of the associated parenting styles, well quite frankly, we all turned out ok.  You do your best, and pray for the rest.  That said, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

Like so many other things, its about balance, and being able to make the right decision in the moment.

All this discussion of child development has kind of got me freaking out a bit.  Being new to the fatherhood game, Im more than just a little weighed down by the responsibility this new life is bringing with it.

How much TV is too much?
How many sugary treats can I spoil him with before its a problem?
What school system do we use?
How young is too young to start ... ?

Its a lot to consider, which the Parents of the world are all ready quite aware of.

Well, I guess I turned out ok, so there's hope.

What a crazy couple of weeks its been!

Between a new quarter of school, a continued work load, the snow, and finding out I'm having a boy, I'm getting a little overwhelmed.

But, I press forward, comforted by the fact that others have endured much more than I, thus, my life is not insurmountable.

Hello and Welcome, to Tales of the New Guy!

I say this, because I have found myself to be the "new guy" quite a lot in my working life.  I just turned 27, so I've been working for about 10 years.

I have done a myriad of things, mostly related to the home construction industry.  Framing, Concrete, "clean up guy", plumbing, HVAC installer and fabricator; I've been through a few houses.  More recently I've been into the health care field, becoming a Nursing Assistant - Certified.  Its the first time I've been "certified" anything, so it makes me a little proud.

I also spent a year making wooden model sailboats.  Thats right.  We made them from 12" to nearly 5 feet long.  Some remote control, some just on a string.  Theres nothing as rewarding, for me, than working with my hands.

A 50" hull that I made out of strips of Wester Red Cedar

Which brings us back to health care, or Nursing in particular.  Im really excited to be getting into a "hand-on" field, where Im working with people and helping them feel better.

So, I'm The New Guy again, and learning so much.  It should be fun.