evening cup with M. J. Hamilton, Sr.

Jermain Paul–Nobody but Jesus… Hallelujah – And then some…

You know… I do not give a lot of bandwidth to television shows like The Voice, America’s Got Talent, American Idol – you name it – if it’s not Law & Order, House, CSI, or some of the really older, and not so old – decent drama/mystery shows – I honestly have zero bandwidth for it. Okay, okay – ‘decent’ drama / mystery is in fact, my opinion – thank you…

Oh, I do relish the moments I can watch Brian Williams and NBC Nightly News – but that’s about it…

This evening – I’m flat out exhausted and ready to crash… I worked a marathon 2 days and tonight I just sat down – fired up the TV – The Voice was on, and they were down to the final contestant. Well, who can’t watch this – right?

As I watched the final 1 minute – this young man thanking everyone that supported him and made him (and Blake Shelton – someone I love) very happy and not a little successful… he – at the very end – said the most profound of profound statements – and all the reason why he won…

Call me what you want – I know what I know… Jermain said – nobody but Jesus – thank you…

I know where this young man’s heart is – and he gave that thanks – in front of 10’s of millions of people. WOW – WOW – WOW!!!!

Well Jermain – my hat and heart to you… Thank you for speaking from the heart – and giving thanks truly – for where your blessings come from.

That’s it folks… for those that know me – you know me – for those that cannot stand my Lord? Sorry – but I wanted to thank Him too – this young man made the stand-of-stands – and I’m proud of him for proclaiming his true treasure. Jermain Paul? May your days be long, your life enriched, your family blessed beyond measure – and your career – a daily reminder of what you just said tonight – nobody but Jesus – man – you got me – and you got me in the heart. I pray for your major success. Thank YOU for being the man and calling it like it is.

For all else – have a great evening – and thanks for sharing a 1/2 cup – this evening cup… I appreciate you..

You ever have one of those days when you think, ‘damn, I’m just sick and tired of being sick and tired…’ ???

You’re not alone…

However, with ten (10) children, I get an extraordinary opportunity to 1) speak to all the news on the radio, 2) justify my feelings about stupid TV shows, 3) explain why brushing your teeth really is a smart thing, 4) explain why lying about even very little – white-lie – things – is a lie…. and what else??? Well, I could ratchet up about 5), 6), 7), …. 1,984,397) – and so forth…

I guess I could retire the evening and reflect on how I’m really sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.

Or I could reflect on all of the chatter so many children and family members have to share – even if I’m not the focal point of such chatter – I just hear it all on the periphery.

It’s election year 2012 – I’m truly sick and tired of being sick and tired of election campaigns… But I’ve spent countless hours with many children expounding on the values of voting… Why? Do I really have to answer that??? No matter what we ‘think’ we know – or how we ‘feel’ about a day-in-the-life of today’s politics – we MUST VOTE – or we’ll suffer. Period. Yes, I firmly believe in that.

Voting has – for probably 35 years for me – seemed moot. I truly wonder why in the world there seems to be no better news about schools, teachers, unions of cheap laborers, over the road truckers, small shipping carriers, you name it – anything to do with the betterment of our children, and the furtherance of good things for the 90% of the hard laborers in our country – to get a break – taxes, benefits – whatever those breaks may be – just give us a BREAK. Vote… We must never quit voting for those we believe will one day, in some way – make a difference. VOTE…

News, News, News… BBC is one of my favored radio news broadcasts that I catch several times a day if I’m able… I’m impressed by the fortitude of some of the world news reporters – going into the most dangerous of situations to bring us the rabid truths of the blessed in the world as well as the wretched in the world. I hate much of what I hear anymore – but it reminds me – VOTE – I believe we can still make a difference.

The United States is – without any doubt in my mind – the greatest place in the world to live. We do have liberty and justice for everyone here. We do have absolute freedom of not only religious expression – but just about every other opinion we have too! Imagine that – in 85% of the places on earth – people die, or at a minimum – lose a limb – for their expressiveness – and here – we get pissed off when someone doesn’t like our expressed feelings. HELLO??? They’re your feelings, opinions – your expressions – you’re free to share them – but that’s a liberty – not a right – and it doesn’t make any of us right – we’re just blessed to be able to express.

As I share this evening cup… a few cups actually – dark Columbian Roast from Starbucks (Okay, I’m busted now ) – I’m mindful that – no matter how sick and tired I may get of being sick and tired – I have so many other things that need my attention – that in the end? It’s not worth the energy – to be tired of being tired

Have a great evening… Hug your children – let them know always – how loved they are… And pat yourself on the back for finishing another day. Whether you travel the road as a trucker, sail the seas as a carrier or one that labors extremely hard to bring in the catch of the month… Whatever you do – mom taking care of your 8 babies, school teacher bemoaning the incorrigible ones that seem to care less about you – all of you – rest this evening… Do not be tired of being tired… Be encouraged that we had another day – to vote, care for someone, help someone, pray for someone – just relax even… Be thankful…

You are blessed…

If you doubt that? Pick a favorite show – watch reruns of it – I love Lucy – House, Criminal Minds, Law & Order, American Idol – whatever – pick something – and be mindful… You ‘can’ pick something – a favorite re-run – and watch it…

Be mindful… Be blessed

When I started evening cup… I was targeting a couple Microsoft early morning risers that were blogging – well – okay stuff.

As I matured into evening cup… I realized that it was much more than just technology blogging. Shoot, I do that at http://blog.mjhamilton.com – so – why burden this blog post – with more technical mumbo-jumbo? Well… To be honest, I quickly became attuned to the latest in the news that is impacting technology – but I didn’t have the time that night, or another – to blog about it.

Then I’d live a life experience that – well, made me consider what I want to write about – and so it is – that many writings are turning to the flavor of life – life in general – and specifically – my life, each evening that I sit down to reflect on it – and that’s about it.

So – I’ll continue to dig into technology – but understand – I’m just a man that has lived – and I’m beginning to think that evening cup…. should be about those things that might just help another person in life. Perhaps??? I say yes… So – I’ll continue non-political venues – I will not wane too religious on you – I’ll simply keep it simple stupid (The old KISS methodology)…

I appreciate you visiting my blog… I hope that somewhere – in all the struggles I live through – the precious moments I get to live – you too, will find some precious moments that help you – that’s all I’m about.

Thank you for visiting…

As I share this tidbit – well, I know that I’ll pretty quickly come under fire by the very many that do not believe what I do…

However, I can tell you a few things – I do know…

PREAMBLE: So – I know – from studying history for over 30 years – that so many religions have so much to do with Christianity – but there are so many things about Christianity that do not measure up in these other religions.

Long-short of this evening cup? I’m not hear to argue religion – I did that with Pappy (Robert B. James, CMA, CNA, Country Music Award Winner – Songwriter of the Year, 13 years and running…) for many years. I’ve never had a better devil’s advocate when it came to arguing religion.

But – listen to a simple song by Kenny Rogers and Wynona Judd… Mary Did you Know? (Please forgive the sickening T-Mobile add as a pre-amble to the song –

My first 4 years in college I really remember the tons of religions that were so much like the Hebrews. I could not shake the foundation of what I knew however. I know the faith I have is that of a mustard seed. And I know that this faith has delivered to me untold blessings and a life that only a king could cherish. I cannot begin to expound on it. Suffice to say – this is real…

So – why am I wasting your time this evening??? Well… It’s simple.. From the mouth of babes – come my blessings. Specifically – my babes – so often – tell me how I’m wrong in this fashion, or right in that fashion… It’s truly humbling to hear what these children have to say.

Well, what I have to say is simple. I sang this song in August 1982 in front of then, President Regan. I was in the CMA (Country Music Academy Association) group that got picked to fill in for a band that was playing for the president that night. As it turned out – we played way early – were just dismissed – and sent on our way. I truly thought it’d be huge – we’d become famous – and life would be GREAT – meaning – I would become a millionaire over night and all would be great. WRONG!!!!!

Anyway – I had a few moments to really perform the one song that hit home for me; standing in front of the King of the United States – this is a simple man that, over-all – runs our country – he called the shots – the shots got fired – believe me – I’ve lived through that too – I know what that’s like.

So – we had a chance to perform… It was that time of year where this song was perfect. I cannot carry the vocals of Kenny Rogers – but I did that evening. Kenny lives in Centerville, GA by the way. I know a few things I grew up in Smyrna GA when I was little.

So – Mary Did you Know… ?

Well, yea – she did know a lot – after the Angels visited her and explained what was to become, and what must be. God have mercy on her soul to suffer and what what happen to her son.

No matter what religion – at all – period!!! – this woman DID live though this – HE was born from her – and HE DOES LIVE TODAY – and it’s such a rich – humbling feeling – to have my children – even 9 years old – remind me of this. I’m not a preacher… I’m not really a man that shares my religious beliefs… But tonight, in a situation where that same song had to be sung – I was so profoundly reminded of that afternoon with the President of the United States. Mr. Regan was the most humble, kind, and jovial – if all three are possible – person – that I could only sit back and say thank you for the opportunity.

My prayer, this evening, is that some soul – someplace – reaches out and finds that strength – or faith – of a mustard seed. It doesn’t take much – to open the floodgates of blessings from my Father – Who is in Heaven – and watching down on all of us.

Again, those precious moments. Someone not only cares about you – you are loved beyond belief… If you don’t’ believe me – and you see this post – just ping me – I’ll call you back… I can promise you – there is more to life than meets the eye – and what lays ahead of you – well, you simply have no idea – yet

Emily Dickinson once wrote,

* Hope is the thing with features

That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune without the words,

And never stops at all,

 

* And sweetest in the gale is heard;

And sore must be the storm

That could abash the little bird

That kept so many warm.

 

* I’ve heard it in the chillest land,

And on the strangest sea;

Yet, never, in extremity,

It asked a crumb of me.

One of those days, where the most precious of moments are experienced, and you retire at the end of that day, bathed in the warmth of a love so pure, so real, that it is unearthly and surreal… Yet oh, so real it is.

As a parent, you give much, every day, and you may often feel the least of those appreciated – but I wanted to remind you – those precious moments are what it is all about. Those precious moments are why you run the distance; though you tire, you do not falter – you finish, and you finish strong – every day.

A father with ten (10) children, I am blessed to see so much… This day I am blessed to see how the calm of a 3 1/2 year old could calm the anguish of one much older – with just a whisper saying, ‘… it’s okay… I love you…’

From the mouths of babes, the storms of my life are so often calmed… Those precious moments… I know now why my  quiver is so full…

I pray your day, when it is done, you understand why you must run…

That endless trail of challenges unknown… where in the end, you are always home…

Peace be with you – and may you notice and cherish those Precious Moments when they pass your way…

Now that’s FAST!–Download Speeds–The Promise of Tomorrow–Immediate Gratification–I WANT IT NOW!!!!–Good Bye BestBuy–So long CompUSA, Circuit City (Radio Shack too???)

I know we all would like to think that our cable providers – or those fiber optic providers, like Verizon’s FIOS service in New York City – are really fast.

Well, having been in this field of work long before there was even Clark Development Board’s PC Board BBS product, I have seen my share of online connectivity. I do indeed, remember downloading the early versions of PC Board at 300 baud – back in the day.

This evening, pulling down a copy fo Exchange Server 2010 – a 4.5GB download – I was a bit surprised to see 6,000KBps – and higher speeds.

That’s a 6mpbs download, or a 4.5GB file in about 13.5-14 minutes. WOW!

Of course, I had to include a screen shot just to show it. Now, that’s pretty damn fast!!!!

My wife and I have ten (10) children – no twins – all healthy – so we’re quite blessed – but – and let’s capitalize that _ BUT!!!

We know a culture of individuals who DEMAND to have everything NOW. I guess I can imagine why.

I remember having my old Apple II and 8088 based PC systems sitting on my extra table off the dining room in our apartment. Working ninety to nothing to press the envelope in technology, and champing at the bit to grow what became one of the largest PC Drivers site in the SE United States (The DataWorks!) – I was content – almost – with that 300 baud download. MAN, when I got the 1,200 baud? Shoot doggy – I KNEW it didn’t get any better than that.

Imagine my amazement at the U.S. Robotics HST Courier in just a few more years, pushing 33.4kbps – leap years ahead of 300 baud.

Imagine my amazement today – as I sort out why children, and millions of others for that matter – want everything NOW.

Listening to NPR (National Public Radio) last week, I was blown away to hear that BestBuy – our last real electronics giant merchant – closing dozens of stores, laying off hundreds / thousands of people. Hell, it was just a couple years ago – Circuit City, then CompUSA, then who else??? Well, quite a few have gone by the way of Chapter <something> and they’re out of business. Tens of thousands are out of work, out of their medical coverage, out of their retirements.

It doesn’t end there…

I’ve been in IT for three (3) decades roughly. I’ve witnessed the sell off of huge organizations, and the out-sourcing of the IT and entire support departments to over seas firms. I was on one project only 5 weeks; they sold off for billions to a larger utility parent corporation. In 3 more weeks, IBM was awarded a huge out-sourcing deal and 473 people were forced to take a pay-off and laid off – or fired. People with 15-20 years vested lost everything for a 1-2.5% pay-off of their pensions – if they were that lucky.

The digital age has revolutionized more than we can imagine. The industrial revolution doesn’t hold a candle to the growth of the digital age. But… BUT… It did hold a million candles for the American individual. It promised work. It promised prosperity. It epitomized the Great American Dream – be all you can be – do all that you can do – and enjoy the life in the greatest country in this world.

Alas… I want the 50’s again… Maybe the 40’s again… I want it now… Those were the days, yes?

Thank you for enjoying an evening cup with me.

Mark Twain once wrote, “… I wonder whether the world is being run by really smart people that are putting us on, or imbeciles that really mean it.”

Well, what do you think?

We’re all wading through the elect for this person, no elect for that person – but – I love this person – but everyone hates that person!

And so the elections are going again. Are we being put on? Or do they really mean it?

To remain politically correct: The really smart people classified the imbeciles as just that – imbeciles. Or perhaps, that’s by design.

Either way – we must muddle our way through this tiresome process of electing someone because there is no one better that we like.

I say we get back to grass roots – and teach our children, and their children as such – and eventually – imbeciles or not – we’ll get the right smart people back in the position where we want them.

That’s Evening Cup… for this evening…

Christmas, New Year’s–The Hamiltons–Family Treasures…

As I reflect on the Christmas past, New Year’s Eve Past – and ponder the New Year ahead, I am careful not to wax religious or wane ideological in any context. I simply wanted to share the treasures to be found in our every day lives, no magic, no special event, certainly no ceremony or pomp to drive the occasion – Treasures…

Yes, we do indeed, spend a great deal of time on the interior home décor at Christmas-time; it’s a tradition that spans centuries in my Friend’s and my own families. We love the antique dolls and designs, and the memories those provide us are treasures of a childhood where love was known more than on Christmas Eve – it was the central focus of our lives and those that cared for us.

These small classics of 60 and 70 years ago – well, they could be treasured – but they’re not… They’re simply some of those simple things that allow us to live our memories – my Friend and I – as we build memories for our many young ones…

Mere hours before the children descend, we are pondering the dining room from this view:

More light on the area – you can quickly see why we liked the darker one

Yea, I know – but it’s a large area covering a ton of table tops, decorations, and the fixings of a super breakfast for when the young ones appear.

One of my favorites, guiding us around in the dark:

The doll that waves the light too and fro, allowing us to tip toe out of all the makings of a perfect tree, and all things perfectly organized.

Alas – Christmas morning – before the tide:

This hardly touches on everything – but it’s a tree decorated by dozens of hands – each little touch a bit of the feelings of the 3 year old, or the 50 year old, no difference – everyone chips in – and so the tree is the center of attraction – not the many gifts.

Alas – unearthing the day… In our home, we have learned that giving of gifts is not a Christmas tradition to relish each year – it is something that comes from the heart, and you give out of what you have to whomever you desire – whenever you can. This our children have learned well.

The youngest ones even, learn this lesson a little more each day.

Once the day is done – every bit of about 1.5 hours to thrashing the living room and cleaning it back up – we’re able to enjoy the company of all – and it is at this time when I hear, Dad, we want to do this, or Dad, we want to do that – and these things they want to do, you see – have nothing to do with gifts received, rather – just time together! This is the most incredible of Treasures in my lifetime – my children do appreciate a few electronics, or high-tech toys, many things they need, clothing and whatnot – no, but what they really want – is simply time with myself and their mother – and so our week is overwhelmed with the division of time across so many lives that we desire to spend so much time with.

My Friend is a deep Friend of 3 decades, and my wife – Margaret… In her is the heart that was and remains meant to treat every child, and I mean every single child, with the tender love and attention – a child needs and deserves. So – our children do know the true meaning of love. They also know how to vie for time with either of us – get that time, and then share that time, and in the course of a few days – we cover everyone, and we all meet for drinks, cake, pies, and just relaxation while we ponder the return to school, or work, or whatever our tasks may be.

I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to relish in these Treasures. I miss my Pappy, and Christmas with Pappy is like none other, I have to say. We all talked about Pappy – we all lamented his passing, and worked through our grief and heavy hearts. In the end – singing songs we take back to memories of him – our lives – our Treasures.

You see – this time of year is time with family, friends, those we cherish and love. Not just Christmas. Not the pains of trying to find those special gifts for everyone. It’s a time of trying to find time for everyone – because we ‘are’ home and that is our focus.

Thank you for letting me share – Christmas with The Hamiltons… Treasures – Always…

This pic is one of my beautiful gems… I cannot classify any child as a gem over the other, and I never do – but I wanted to share this one:

She’s still so young, yet all grow’d up… I hate that.

Anyway – this is a very precious moment. A true eye for photography, she did get one of the badest to the bone Cannon cameras for Christmas – and yes, a week early because her travels have her away at Christmas – so – she’s visiting tonight – and as I reflect on my precious moments – I just wanted to share this beauty… I have been blessed.

Margaret and I have been richly blessed. When you realize that – you find your precious moments, every day, laying here, under there, just about everywhere you look – you find those precious moments. Well, I wanted to share this one.

Keep shining Katie-Bug… We love you – always…

To everyone else – may you find your precious moments – and capture them and enjoy them – even share them. They’re precious – and worth remembering – every day – all the days of your life.

Peace be with you all!

Michael Buble–Jennifer Hamilton–Here’s looking at you kid…

Okay… Around 2PM this afternoon my oldest, Jenny – pings me and asks a really simple request: can you go to JR’s and get a signed CD or book by Michael Buble?

Well… Foremost, I’ve never heard of Michael Buble… however, when I mentioned it to co-workers, oh, yea! This guy is really good – a TON of people have heard of him… Why haven’t I? No clue… I’m just old.

Second avenue of troubles – it’s a signing that starts in Manhattan at 4PM and I’m in Brooklyn Heights at that time – and usually until 6PM – so this isn’t going to work.

Well, I dig in and find out more… JR’s is a huge complex off a back road behind the Mayor’s home and City Hall in Manhattan – just across from 1 Centre St. Well, okay, I work here a lot too – so I know the area.

So – I set out to get this autograph from a signer I’ve never heard of – let alone listened to.

It’s pouring down rain!!! NO NO NO – but yes, it is!

I’m there by 4PM – there are not 50 people and a 30 minute line – there are over 350 people and a SUPER DOOPER LINE.

So – I settle in… I’m soaking wet. But I’m here – I’m going to see this through.

A security officer comes up to me in line and asked where my wrist band was? Wrist band? I don’t wear no stinking’ wrist band. What wrist band? Well, you has to go in to door #6 up there (past the 300+ people) and 1) purchase some Michael Buble stuff, 2) get a wrist band that allows you to stay in line so you can get in and get his autograph.

Narly… This is ominous… I’ve never done anything like this. So – here I am – already in line – and hell, I’ve gotta lose my spot and from what I could tell later? Dozens of spots…. But that’s okay – I’m in this for the duration…

So – I go in to #6 – buy a book – buy his latest CD – get TWO wrist bands – and back to the end of the line…. DAMN IT WAS A LONG LINE – and it was raining and I was soaked!!!

Alas – some time later – rain has let up… I’m actually drying up a little… I’m escorted in and advised on the proper picture taking rules, where one must stand, etc. etc. etc.

As I entered the 2nd floor, I saw Mr. Buble for the first time across the room – a vast expanse of CD box displays for any genre you could imagine – and I see easily 100+ people still ahead of me. But – I’m inside, warm and drying out.

As I made my way around… I had no clue what I’d say… So I simply fumbled with trying to get a picture here or there – which I did – see below:

And another…

This is the young man – signing away – and I must say – no more pleasant a man have I met.

He was intrigued that I’m from MI, I work for the City of New York, and my oldest daughter – of 10 children, mind you – in Podunk Alabama – talked me into this signing effort today – with a man I’ve never heard of.

Well… He truly was genuine and and decent young man – the few moments I had in his presence.

The signatures? Well, for non other than my oldest – Jennifer – so – in Mr. Boble’s finest pen – we have:

This includes the opening page of his book – which – standing outside and beginning to read – I must confess, I like it a lot.

And his latest CD – both to Jennifer.

Alas – my evening cup is complete… I’ve enjoyed a cold brewskie – and I’m settling down with other matters work-related and that demand my attention for the evening.

To my #1 child: You are welcome dear lady – wish I could have brought you here, stood you in the rain and let you travail for the signing you desired. But… I’ll settle for 2nd best and do it for you gladly.