These Kids Know How to Work

Well, for all the talk about kids these days being lazy you would think that hard work and saving money was a thing of the past.

However, I have had the privilege of working for a number of young people that stifle any thoughts I might have about kids taking it easy.

A young man that I helped get a house had graduated from a tech school and determined he did not like the field so he left that for another and worked part time too. He lived at home and saved his money for 2+ years and had quite a next egg for his house down payment. He will have renter or two in his new house for a while too. What a difference to the kid who lives at home and has nothing to show for his time at home except bar tabs.

Another young lady is working three jobs [two part time] and going to school full time. Wow! She is another champion.

I could go on and on about kids and how they work and how they save!

My Friend's Son is Home on a 8 Day Leave Before Heading to Iraq

Well, the news that Craig's boy David was actually going to Iraq hit me harder than I thought it would. It brought back memories of my son's calls home to me from Iraq in 2005/06 and the composure I had to maintain as he let me in on parts of the terror and all the boredom. He has since told me that it was an adventure and fun except for the sheer terror from time to time. We are thankful he came back in one piece and he has the nightmares that haunt him but God willing they will mellow out.

So David is heading out to Iraq shortly and will have similar duties that Fernando had but not as a sapper, thank God. He is involved in guarding the roads leading to an air base and that sounds like convoy work. I do hope he is the mechanic that stays inside the wire and repairs vehicles. The parents suffer too as their loved ones head off to war and I know it is on Craig's mind all the time. I found myself, in the beginning, weepy if someone asked me a question and my emotions were close to the surface.

Mime of the Year Award

Well, this is my first posting to a blog with my name on it and it is a little daunting to think that one or two people might actually read it. Not that I haven't written before but "on the web" means anyone could get their hands on it and the fun could start. So here goes.

Everyone who leaves a comment by March 8 will be entered into a "pull your name out of the hat" contest for a signed framed large postcard picture of me miming.

I will announce the winner on March 9. So be sure to check back then to see if your lucky name was drawn. Then you will have until March 11 to email me at mjoelsongstad@gmail.com. Because of course, I will need the name and address of the winner.

I seldom take myself seriously but always take what I do seriously,
Joel Songstad

PS All mimes must vote by phone [just kidding]