“I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living, or get busy dying.” Quote from the movie Shawshank Redemption Choosing to Not Be Afraid Fear. I’ve always despised it. As a kid, I always thought one of the worst things you could be in our family was a sissy. It’s not politically correct anymore to talk about being a sissy, but growing up in the 70’s and 80’s with Jose and Pat as parents, it was nonetheless real.  No Whining or Victims Allowed Neither one of my parents tolerated being afraid, whining or victimhood of any kind. Afraid to taste a new food? Stop acting like…

“Be present for all things and thankful for all things.” ~Maya Angelou I am thankful for much, including the following 30: •my parents (without them, there aren’t the following 29) •being a Texan, extra thankful that Cristobal Ramirez received a land grant in oh, about 1767 or so…that’s a lot of generations of Texans •a big family and getting to grow up with my cousins •my brother, Tony – all the fighting, adventures, dirty clothes, bad haircuts and our childhood spent barefoot, learning to fall, scraping our knees, and getting up without crying •football (almost tied with my parents as first on the list) •my brother, Evaristo – all the…