tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55946742024-03-13T13:03:52.580-05:00John's Online JournalJohn Strain, LPC who lives in Covington, LA writes about his life. He works in the area of mental health and writes about that, current events, and whatever is on his mind.John Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comBlogger1196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-16700875839341927002023-03-18T13:16:00.003-05:002023-03-18T13:16:52.805-05:00New link for John's Online Journal
http://www.johnstrainlpc.com/John Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-31163503542324574472021-06-08T21:20:00.000-05:002021-06-08T21:20:31.916-05:00<h2>New Location for John's Online Journal</h2>
This blog is moving, the new URL is:
<a href="http://johnstrainlpc.com">http://johnstrain.net</a>
See you there,
John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-28477683048229813632010-03-05T11:18:00.002-06:002010-03-05T11:25:04.011-06:00<h2>New Blog Coming Soon</h2><br />I have not given up on posting to a blog regularly. I have said similar things before only to follow them up with more promises. This time, I am going to make a clean sweep. I have decided to move this blog to Square Space. It is a great platform that gives a lot of control of the appearance of the blog along with many bells and whistles far beyond my own technical ability.<br /><br />That move should give me the umph I need to get back in the saddle, back in the batter's box, insert your own metaphor here.<br /><br />The long break has given my creative juices a chance to rekindle, regenerate, morph, insert your own adjective here - morph is a verb though so insert a verb if it suits you.<br /><br />I hope to get the new look up this weekend.<br /><br />Until the next time<br />John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-40785013673902685862009-10-28T04:47:00.000-05:002009-10-28T04:48:57.178-05:00<h2>Finding Meaning</h2><br />I find meaning in life one day at a time. It comes through simple things like a cup of coffee, a wagging tail, a friend laughing at a dumb joke, and so much more. It comes from an attitude of appreciating what you have instead of longing for what you do not have and complaining about what you did not want. Life is too short to devote time to anger, resentment, and hate. Be thankful for health, friends, and natural beauty. Study history to give yourself a sense of perspective. Learn of the sacrifices those before us made to make our life better. Then try to make the world a better place for those to follow. Thank God for your unique life and live it with careful attention, enthusiasm, and gratitude. <br /><br />Until the next time,<br />John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-35072089482044905412009-09-09T21:53:00.002-05:002009-09-09T21:57:05.993-05:00<h2>Testing</h2><br />Testing . . . testing . . . Is this thing on? Testing 1 . . 2 . . 3. Hi everyone. I have not stopped blogging. This post proves it. Me, Bear, and the family are doing well. I will soon catch things up. I promise.<br /><br />Until the next time<br />John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-72987480709705570252009-03-19T21:54:00.001-05:002009-03-19T21:56:00.974-05:00<h2>George Wesley Strain, Sr.<br />January 31, 1925 - March 19, 2009</h2><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics5/03.09/dad.jpg" alt="Dad at the Grand Canyon 1967" height="265" width="391" hspace="5" vspace="5"><br />My dad and I at the Grand Canyon 1967</div><br /><br />My father died today. I received a phone call from my brother George about 6:00 PM. Dad has been failing. He has been losing weight and becoming very frail. His wife Nola said she went to bed last night and Dad said he wanted to sit up and watch some more television. When she woke up in the morning, Dad had not come to bed. He was still in his chair and appeared to be sleeping. Eventually she went to wake him up and realized he had died. He passed peacefully in his recliner. I am assuming a remote control was nearby.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I have not been very involved with my father since I left home to go to college. The reasons are not important, but there was no friction, animosity, or any ill will between us; we just went in different directions. I saw him occasionally. He attended my wedding and my son's high school graduation. We saw him in Kansas City when we would visit, but it was minimal. <br /><br />Dad had a new family and was involved with them. I had my family and time had a sneaky fast way of moving. <br /><br />I last spoke to him on his birthday January 31st. We had a good conversation as we always did.<br /><br />When he visited us in Louisiana for John's high school graduation in 2003, I interviewed him on video. I have him talking about his life and telling the stories in his own voice. This is very valuable now.<br /><br />I loved my father and admired him. He was always around. I remember coming home from school to find him in his chair reading the paper, or sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee, or in the summer, walking around the yard sipping a cold can of beer. Dad was handy around the house. If he did not know how to do something, he found out how and tackled the job, not always with professional results as to appearance, but usually close enough, as it relates to function.<br /><br />Some of my early memories of him were when I was in kindergarten. Dad's day off was on Wednesday. On that day, he and my mother would pick me up at school. I can still see him in my mind's eye wearing his light colored overcoat and standing in the hall waiting for my class to end. I remember the day he took me to the store to purchase my first baseball glove. I remember the pinewood derby car we built together for cub scouts that won second place. Now that I am a father, I know he must have been pretty proud of himself for that feat.<br /><br />Dad was pretty easy going. He had a temper, but I could bring that out in people. I was not afraid of my father and I cannot remember any problems between us. He was not the best at expressing his feelings. I may get some of that from him. He was there though and he gave me the gift of time, from being a scout leader to helping me fix a go cart.<br /><br />From a small town in Missouri, high school basketball player, Army Air Corps, working on mail trains, letter carrier - before "going postal" was a term, father of 3, scout master, dry humor, happy most of the time, loved by many, known by more. Going to the grocery store with my dad to get a loaf of bread could take two hours, because he knew everyone in town. He could have a conversation with a statue.<br /><br />I do not really know how I feel right now. It is a shock. I feel sad. I feel guilt that I did not go see him more or call him more. But, I mostly feel grateful that I had him for a dad. I like my life and my son has turned out pretty well; I have to give my father some credit, because he was my father model to learn from.<br /><br />Another member of the "Greatest Generation" has moved on, this one was my father and it is going to leave a hole in my heart.<br /><br />Here's to you Dad. I'll miss you, but I'll see you again before you know it.<br /><br />Until the next time,<br />John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-11359233026730750992009-02-18T21:49:00.001-06:002009-02-18T21:49:55.965-06:00<h2>Post op</h2><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics5/02.09/rehab.jpg" alt="Knee Rehab" height="338" width="450" hspace="5" vspace="5"></div><br />Hi Gang,<br />The knee surgery went just fine. The doc said he trimmed off a bit of the torn meniscus. He thinks it is fixed and I will have a full recovery. I have been keeping it propped up and on ice - per doctor orders. I have not used any of the Hydrocodone yet. The pain is not bad at all. I have been taking Tylenol instead. <br /><br />The photo shows my setup: TV, dog, leg propped up - I think I can weather this storm.<br /><br />Until the next time and thanks for the prayers - I know you did.<br />John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-24544768162720576622009-02-15T22:32:00.001-06:002009-02-15T22:32:47.170-06:00<h2>Olympia Parade 2009</h2><br />Hi Everyone, it's me Bear!<br /><br />Boy, did I have fun on Valentines Day. Not only that, but a parade came by our house too. I never saw a parade before. I always had to stay at the house because they don't allow dogs. I think some dog bit someone once and now no dogs get to go to parades. It is always one joker that spoils it for the rest of us. He was probably a pit bull.<br /><br />Here are some pictures of the fun. Usually, the parade passes by two blocks away, but this year they changed the route. That meant we had to have a party; and a party we had.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics5/02.09/olympia1.jpg" alt="Bear at the parade" height="324" width="450" hspace="5" vspace="5"><br />This is a picture of me in the truck; my vantage point for the parade. Daddy tied me in so I wouldn't jump out and get lost. See I got a football and some beads.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics5/02.09/olympia2.jpg" alt="Bear at the parade" height="338" width="450" hspace="5" vspace="5"><br />Daddy took this picture from our front yard. Everyone is watching the parade, but I am watching daddy.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics5/02.09/olympia3.jpg" alt="Bear at the parade" height="338" width="450" hspace="5" vspace="5"><br />See my beads? I didn't have them all night though, a cute little french poodle came by and I gave them to her.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics5/02.09/olympia4.jpg" alt="Bear at the parade" height="338" width="450" hspace="5" vspace="5"><br />We had Mr. Marty's trailer hooked up to John's truck. Trailers work like reviewing stands. The blue cup on the bumper of the truck is daddy's drink.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics5/02.09/olympia5.jpg" alt="Bear at the parade" height="338" width="450" hspace="5" vspace="5"><br />In this picture, I have my ball again. John is in the truck swinging a thing around. The girl in the pink is Mandy, his girlfriend.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics5/02.09/olympia6.jpg" alt="My mama and daddy" height="338" width="450" hspace="5" vspace="5"><br />This is a picture of my mama and daddy.</div><br /><br />I sure had fun at the parade, but I really liked after the parade because there were hot dogs, chili, jambalaya, hamburgers, chips, king cake, and lots of other good things.<br /><br />Everyone had a good time, especially me. The Mardi Gras day parade is coming by our house too, so we will do all of this all over again a week from Tuesday. I bet daddy will take pictures then too.<br /><br />Well, that's my report on the Olympia Parade. I hope you enjoyed it.<br /><br />Bye for now,<br />BearJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-74859438865834589992009-01-31T08:11:00.001-06:002009-01-31T08:11:46.420-06:00<h2>Under the knife</h2><br /><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics5/01.09/mri.jpg" align="right" alt="MRI on monitor" height="533" width="400" hspace="5" vspace="5"><br />On December 30, 2006 I completed a 20-mile run in preparation for an upcoming marathon. I had a busy race schedule planned into the spring and had prepaid several events. My groin thought otherwise. Insert your favorite joke here about pulling a groin. My favorite is the ESPN commentators quick quip whenever mentioning the always laughed at body part. "Today, in a game against the whoevers, so and so pulled a groin - pause for dramatic affect - I hope it was his." It is very important to say, "So and so pulled A groin and not HIS groin." Otherwise the joke would not work.<br /><br />Anyway, that kept me from running. I was healing up slowly and by Memorial Day, I was beginning to build up my running again. I thought I was back on the road. Since I was not running a lot, I had time for other things, like fixing a big bare spot in the yard resulting from heavy foot traffic and dragging dead tree parts from Katrina the August before.<br /><br />I took a day off of work so I would have a four-day weekend to lay the sod. Incidentally, were I to say "lay the sod" in England, any self-respecting lady and most gentlemen would feel compelled to slap me.<br /><br />I worked like a hard working dog. Man, that is hard work. The hard part was the prep. I tilled and pushed and pulled dirt around in a vain attempt to level the landscape. I will level with you, I got pretty close. Once the sod arrives, one needs to move quickly to get it down and watered in. I had no help, because my usual buds had legitimate excuses. John was probably in the south of France, the Virgin Islands, or just hiding out.<br /><br />As I look back, there was an instance where I was carrying a load of the grass and as I stepped with my right foot, I hit some uneven ground giving my knee a bit of a twist. My foot remained stationary and the knee was wrenched sideways a bit. I heard a pop and felt pain, but it went away and I did not give it any more thought.<br /><br />When I went back to running, both of my knees were sore, so I thought it was related to the sod laying, sorry mate. Anyway, my left knee healed, but the right knee did not.<br /><br />I went to the doctor in August. That is almost 3 months of RICE, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. I read things on the Internet, I took glucosamine, used weights for strengthening, you name it, I did it to get fixed. The doctor said it was probably nothing. X-Rays were negative so I should just take it easy and it would heal.<br /><br />It did not heal.<br /><br />I kept running like the doctor said to do, but never any improvement. I could run a couple of miles without pain, but the knee would hurt the rest of the day, especially if I had been sitting down a long time.<br /><br />I went back to the doctor a year later, July 2008. This time, I stopped running a couple of weeks before seeing him. I felt great at the appointment. Fresh X-Rays were still negative and he told me to come back when I had a problem. I began running and the pain returned. <br /><br />So in January I returned to the orthopedist, but this time he ordered an MRI. It revealed a slight tear in the medial meniscus. The remedy is arthroscopic surgery to either fix the tear or remove the affected tissue.<br /><br />Surgery is set for February 18th and in a few weeks; I should be back on the road. I should be as good as new, because the tear is minor and the rest of the knee is fine.<br /><br />Forgive me Father for I have sinned. It has been two years since my last marathon. . .<br /><br />Until the next time<br />John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-37919393970310263262009-01-23T07:38:00.004-06:002009-01-23T07:47:31.714-06:00<h2>Time and Memories</h2><br />I made a "year end" video that is 55 minutes long. That process of making it gave me an idea for another video that appears below. I went through all of the video tapes I had eclipsing 22 years. I then took short clips from them and added an aged film filter to the video to give it that "vintage" look.<br /><br />Here it is: Time and Memories.<br /><br /><div align ="center"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FreCffBf8OI&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FreCffBf8OI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><br /><br />It is hard to believe the first month is almost over.<br /><br />Until the next time<br />John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-16005654528404521892008-12-21T20:03:00.003-06:002008-12-30T17:48:40.115-06:00<h2>Moving on</h2><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics4/12.08/graduation.jpg" alt="12/19/2008 LSU Graduate John B. Strain" height="338" width="450" hspace="5" vspace="5"><br />Check out more graduation photos <a href="http://gallery.me.com/jfstrain#100070" target="resource">here</a>.</div><br />My son John graduated from LSU with a BS in Psychology on Friday. I have been so caught up in paying for it, managing the loans, and trying to get him out of school, I never took time to reflect on it.<br /><br />I was happy for John, but I was surprised by the feeling of accomplishment I felt. Barbara and I have managed to get him through school. College graduates earn about double what a high school graduate makes. By earning a degree, John is in the top 25% of the US population. We have given him a pretty good start. <br /><br />As I sat in the stands watching the procession of graduates walk across the platform, receive their degree, shake hands with the head of the university, pose for a photo, and walk down the stairs, I had the same feeling I get standing at the finish line of a marathon. The look of accomplishment on faces is written with ear to ear smiles. Such a pure vision of joy and I was privileged to see it.<br /><br />John has passed another mile marker in his life. He will move from student to the bottom of the corporate ladder. New challenges beckon. I have little doubt that they will be met, struggled with, and conquered.<br /><br /><div align="center"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bia5gUzpi9I&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bia5gUzpi9I&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><br />Here’s to accomplishment and may it become a habit.<br /><br />Until the next time<br />John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-22791696891941776862008-12-01T14:22:00.000-06:002008-12-01T14:23:20.736-06:00<h2>Party's over</h2><br />The bad thing about good times is they have to end. It was nice having the family down here in Louisiana. It has been a long time since they were here. It was fun and we managed a little side trip to the French Quarter and a tour of some of the Katrina damage. Of course, we all gained a few pounds, but family gatherings are no time for diets.<br /><br />By now, we are all back in our own corners of the world.<br /><br />Here is a photo Marc snapped when we paused for a few drinks at Margaritaville. (click for a larger version).<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics4/12.08/no2.jpg" target="resource"><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics4/12.08/no1.jpg" alt="Margaritaville" height="301" width="450" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><br />Mom, Me, Becky, and Barbara</div><br /><br />If you want to see more photos from our get-together, you can find them <a href="http://gallery.me.com/jfstrain#100060" target="resource"><big>HERE</big></a><br /><br />I hope your holiday was a nice one and let me wish you an early Merry Christmas.<br /><br />Until the next time<br />John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-79443246817009286952008-11-22T11:34:00.001-06:002008-11-22T11:34:56.779-06:00<h2>Bakers dozen</h2><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics4/11.08/pillows.jpg" alt="A testament to my clutter" height="300" width="400" hspace="5" vspace="5"><br />A testament of my clutter problem<br /><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics4/11.08/bearcu.jpg" alt="Bear" height="355" width="400" hspace="5" vspace="5"><br />A gratuitous photo of Bear</div><br /><br />Hello, my name is John and I am a "clutterholic." There I said it. Step One is to admit I have a problem and that I am powerless and my life has become unmanageable. <br /><br />Who needs 13 pillows in the bottom of their closet? Not me anymore. There is a voice in my head saying, “Everything must go. All decisions are final.” Then another voice, somewhere else in my head says, "There is nothing wrong with those pillows. They can be used for something. If you throw them away, you will need them some day and then you won't have them."<br /><br />Insert Charlie Brown utterance of frustration loudly here: ARRRRGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!<br /><br />I have gathered clutter into large piles. Mountains of boxes, plastic containers (originally purchased to organize clutter), plastic bags, and loose items that do not lend themselves to any container system of which I am aware.<br /><br />I have moved the piles from one room to another. They have sat. Then I moved them to the shed, to the attic, and now under the carport. Why do the thieves not steal it all and rid me of my nightmare? Must I deal with my own problem? Is there no way out short of dealing directly with the situation?<br /><br />Crickets sound goes here.<br /><br />I take it then that I must follow some of the advice I dish out at the clinic. I get paid to tell people things I could do better myself, like just do it. Don't tell anyone, I have an image to maintain.<br /><br />My lungs are coated with ancient dust from boxes and things I just let pile up, because I figured life without IT would not be as good. <br /><br />I am at the place where the guy in the Bible was. He had the good fortune to have more stuff than he had house for, or in his case, barn for. Then he got an idea, "Hey, I'll just build another barn." Unfortunately for him, his idea was motivated by selfishness. It did not end well in for him.<br /><br />I am not going to build a bigger shed, although the thought did cross my mind. Nope, I am going to liquidate. If the economy is doing it, why not me?<br /><br />I have a zillion books, college and seminary class notes, school work going back to the first grade, trinkets, toys, and memories from my childhood, Barbara's childhood, and my son's childhood which is technically still going on.<br /><br />It all amounts to a lot of stuff. When I consider the pile, I reach in my pocket for a match to deal with the problem. It is when I hold an item and turn it over in my heart and my mind. The nostalgia rises and tossing said item becomes tantamount to throwing away that memory. To throw away a letter my mother wrote is like putting a piece of her in the trash. So you can see, that kind of thinking does not result in clutter pile reduction.<br /><br />I did have an idea though. I could take a few pieces of paper from the first grade work and get rid of the rest. I could even scan some things and trash the originals. Digital files take up much less room.<br /><br />Perhaps in a few days I can write a post of victory. Time will tell and so will I.<br /><br />Until the next time<br />John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-8608329698054003912008-11-10T20:51:00.003-06:002008-11-11T10:07:25.776-06:00<h2>Some gave all</h2><br />Happy Veterans Day and a special thank you to you Vets.<br /><br />I have talked about Justin McLeese before. He was a local boy who died in Iraq on November 13, 2004. My previous posts about him and some other Veterans Day writings can be found <a href="http://johnstrain.blogspot.com/2006_11_01_archive.html#116327615869408255" target="resource">HERE</a>.<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.defenselink.mil/heroes/profiles/mcleeseJ.html" target="resource"><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics4/11.08/justin.jpg" alt="Justin D. McLeese" height="432" width="300" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><br />Justin's Hero Card</div><br />I think about Justin quite often. The church where his funeral was held is on my route to and from the gym. On my way home in the morning it is usually about 6:00 AM and the church bells are ringing. For some reason, they toll for about 15 minutes. It always brings to my mind memories of that day, followed closely by a simple prayer and a feeling of gratitude.<br /><br />How we breeze through our days taking for granted what we should value as treasure. We must take time to reflect on those who gave their all in order for us to have no fear of harm. Some gave all.<br /><br />Freedom has its price and many pay the price willingly so we can bask in its warmth. Some gave all.<br /><br />The sentiment in the movie "Saving Private Ryan," was to honor the ultimate sacrifice by doing something good with your life. What a wonderful gift we enjoy. May we all look into the mirror and ask ourselves the question, "Am I honoring their sacrifice by the way I am living?"<br /><br />I hope we are.<br /><br />To all the veterans and their families, to the price they have paid - Thank you.<br /><a href="https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/" target="resource"><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics4/11.08/vetsday.jpg" alt="Wounded Warriors" height="230" width="159" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><br /><br />Until the next time<br />John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-17479469230633879342008-11-08T15:24:00.003-06:002008-11-09T07:06:17.356-06:00<h2>Home sweet home</h2><br />Hi Everyone, it's me Bear,<br />My mama went to India, but now she is home. I think I'll just sit here and guard her for a while as she sleeps.<br /><div align="center"><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics4/11.08/barbhome.jpg" alt="Home from India" height="300" width="400" hspace="5" vspace="5"></div><br />My mama helped little children while she was in India.<br /><div align="center"><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics4/11.08/barbinclass.jpg" alt="Barb with Dalit children at a school" height="338" width="450" hspace="5" vspace="5"></div><br />Bye and Love,<br />BearJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-6900713833212110382008-11-06T21:53:00.001-06:002008-11-06T21:53:50.798-06:00<h2>Dear Barbara (Part 4)</h2><br />I missed your call this morning. I had my phone by the computer and I was listening to my iPod while using the sink at the bar. I thought I heard something, but it never dawned on me it was my phone. When I walked over to the computer, I noticed I had a voicemail. I hated to miss talking to you. You sounded a bit down or maybe you were just tired. By the sound of things, you all have been seeing an enormous amount of people. <br /><br />If you are not tired now, you will be. As I write this at 9:45 PM Thursday, it is 9:15 AM on Friday for you. After you work, you have a 1:00 AM flight to catch out of New Deli. So after flying 13 hours you will land in Chicago at 5:00 AM. Time will seem like it is standing still. If all goes right, you will go onto Houston and then land in New Orleans at 12:30 PM. You will need to take a nap, because we are planning on going out to eat with friends.<br /><br />I have been cleaning. You won't know our room. It is almost completely decluttered and thoroughly cleaned. I vacuumed tonight and I am going to get LJ to clean the bathrooms tomorrow. Then all I will have to finish is some dusting, clean up the kitchen a bit, and mop. A woman's work is never done.<br /><br />John and I ate at WOW tonight. Bear says hi again. He just polished off his evening treat.<br /><br />We are looking forward to your return and hearing all about the trip.<br /><br />Until the next time<br />Love, JohnJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-34296657956309301442008-11-04T06:49:00.001-06:002008-11-04T06:58:00.683-06:00<h2>Dear Barbara (Part 3)</h2><br />It is Election Day here. John and I are going to vote later on. I am helping him with his paper.<br /><br />The LSU game was fun. Brian, John, Jonathan, his friend Luke, and I went to Baton Rouge about 3:00 in the afternoon. We grilled steaks at Kevin’s apartment. John and the boys went to the game. For one reason, the boys wanted to soak up the Tiger Stadium atmosphere and see the band come in. For another reason, Kevin had two cats and John was beginning to feel his head close up. <br /><br />Sitting behind us was a few rows up was a little girl, probably 4 years old. She was dressed as an LSU cheerleader complete with pom poms. She was very cute anyway, but she had skills. The little girl did the cheers the big cheerleaders were doing. Her dad would even lift her in the air at the right times and she would strike the appropriate pose. I would be shocked if she isn’t on the sidelines for real someday. She is destined to be an LSU cheerleader.<br /><br />I am finding it is time consuming to be a single parent. I did not get the time to write on Sunday, what with shopping and washing three loads of clothes. While I was washing clothes, I tackled some of the clutter areas in our bedroom. My section of the dresser and top drawer have been cleaned up nicely.<br /><br />I also got rid of all of the stuff by the closet. We have a lot more floor space now. Part of that mess, was the sock basket. I matched socks for a long time and now I have gillions of new socks. There are still a lot of mismatches and they may wind up in the trash. At any rate, it looks a lot better.<br /><br />Yesterday evening, I hit the Tupperware drawer. I hate that drawer. I never can find a container and its matching lid quickly enough, and then it is hard to close, which makes it difficult to open. Part of the solution was better organizing and stacking like containers, but the other thing that needed to be done was to remove about half of the contents.<br /><br />At work yesterday, I was bragging to the girls about washing clothes and grocery shopping. It was fun to be able to share stories of domestic servitude with them. I told them how I was buying brands different than you usually get, just for a change. For instance, bread, I got some rye bread. I also bought some different apples – pretty green ones. As I was telling my tale to Monette in the break room, I was carving one of them. I started eating it and it was really tart. Monette asked me what kind of an apple it was. "I don't know," I said and passed her the little sticker. She told me that it was a Granny Smith apple and those apples were usually used for cooking - not eating. I ate it anyway and told her I thought it was good. She was telling maybe I should have stuck to the usual brands. I tried to defend myself, but I got that look mothers give their children. The look that says, I will be polite and listen to you, but you are so pitifully wrong it isn’t even funny. I just liked the green for a change.<br /><br />John and I ate at Outback on Sunday and Monday night we ate at the Mexican place that used to be BJ's Pizza. I think Marty will be coming over tonight to watch the election results.<br /><br />Everybody asks about you. We miss you. I haven't heard anything from you since your text message on Sunday. By now you are well into your work with the Dalits. I hope it is going well.<br /><br />Well, I need to get the coffee going, walk the dog, and get on with the day.<br /><br />Until the next time<br />Love, JohnJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-19052987007571234752008-11-01T09:01:00.002-05:002008-11-01T09:08:21.146-05:00<h2>Dear Barbara (Part 2)</h2><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics4/11.08/indiateam.jpg" alt="India Team 10/30/08 New Orleans Airport" height="338" width="450" hspace="5" vspace="5"><br />Barbara is the second from the left</div><br /><br />I watched the little plane make its way to India and got the email confirming you all landed safely. I'll bet it felt good to get to the hotel and rest. Since then, you have had a whole day and it is about 8 in the evening in India as I write. <br /><br />Friday here was typical as far as work is concerned. A few people wore Halloween garb. They tried to get me to wear a wig, but I was afraid I would get used to having hair and then it would be hard returning to bald reality, ha. I extolled my repertoire of Halloween jokes and got the usual laughs. I even pulled out my "House where the weenie dogs live" poem.<br /><br />Once home in the evening, I hurried to take Bear for his walk in anticipation of the trick or treaters. John came in after coaching basketball practice. He was going with the gang to the block party. He dropped me at the Murphy's on his way. Joe and Linda went with us to Boston Street. Of course we sat around talking politics before leaving. It was the usual good time.<br /><br />I received a voice mail from Elna. She said everything was fine and you all were on your way to the Taj Mahal. I hate I missed the call. When I said to chip off a piece of the Taj Mahal to bring me for a souvenir, I hope you knew I was kidding. If not, let me know and I will see if the US embassy can help you get out of jail.<br /><br />John left a few minutes ago to go to New Orleans for their scrimmage. He lost his game the other night by one point. He was disappointed because his team led the whole way until a buzzer beater at the end. <br /><br />I am probably going to go to the gym and work out. Later, Brian and I are going to the LSU v Tulane game at Tiger Stadium. Faye may go with us and we will all meet at Kevin's and grill steaks before the game. Kevin and Robin are going to the game too.<br /><br />Guess what? There is an Apple Store in Metairie now at the Lakeside Mall. Maybe we'll eventually get one on the North Shore.<br /><br />Bear is fine. He is taking his medicine like a good boy. He says “Hi.” He is watching me right now trying to will me to his leash so we can go for his walk.<br /><br />I hope you are having fun and that you are writing down your experiences. We are eager to hear about what you are doing,<br /><br />Until the next time<br />Love, JohnJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-33629264337875011202008-10-30T20:40:00.005-05:002008-10-30T20:59:06.131-05:00<h2>Dear Barbara</h2><br /><div align="center"><blockquote>Barbara has gone to Lucknow, India on a medical mission trip with our church. They are trying to help a group of people known as the Dalits. Although the caste system in India is no longer legal according to their constitution, it still dominates Indian society. Dalits are outcasts - lower than the lowest caste. They are considered untouchables and even if their shadow falls on an upper caste individual, that individual is considered polluted. These are very oppressed people. Barbara is going to be assisting the mission in various ways. They are going to touch the untouchables.</blockquote><br /><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics4/10.08/lucknow.jpg" alt="Map of India" height="326" width="450" hspace="5" vspace="5"><br />Some Links:<br /><a href="http://www.dalitnetwork.org/" target="resource">Dalit Freedom Network</a><br /><br />A must see video<br /><a href="http://www.dalitnetwork.org/go?/dfn/news/the_untouchable_kids_of_india_video" target="resource">The untouchable kids of India</a></div><br /><br />Dear Barbara,<br />It is Thursday evening here in Covington. I just checked Flyte.com and you just left Chicago. Your plane is at 4000 feet and traveling 220 MPH. Only 13 hours and 31 minutes to go. Knowing how you hate to fly, this is the worst part of the trip for you. No doubt, talking to your fellow travelers will distract you from your fear. I am sure you are excited - you are finally on your way.<br /><br />I got home at the usual time. I took Bear outside to off load some water and I threw the ball for him a few times. Once inside, the usual routine of munching on a few Pringles and plopping in front of Fox news followed. Since I went out for lunch, I ate the lunch I packed for supper, a sandwich and a box of raisins. Real exciting stuff, huh.<br /><br />It was dark when I walked Bear and I listened to my Patric O'Brian novel along the way. John is coaching his first basketball game at St. Pauls and he is excited about that.<br /><br />At work, I told them that you left for India today. Someone asked me why you were going to India? I said, "Because she figures it is about as far away from me as she could get without leaving earth." Of course, I was rewarded with laughter.<br /><br />I am going to write down these mundane things each day, so when you come home or if you are fortunate enough to get on the Internet once in India, you won't have missed anything.<br /><br />We miss you already, but we are proud of what you are doing. If anyone can transcend a language barrier to convey heartfelt love it is you.<br /><br />I just checked the computer and noticed that you are cruising at 31,000 feet and 570 mph. There is a graphic of a little plane on a world map – pretty neat.<br /><div align="center"><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics4/10.08/AAL292@.jpg" alt="Barbara's Flight" height="270" width="400" hspace="5" vspace="5"></div><br />God Bless,<br /><br />Until the next time,<br />JohnJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-43283460876260626482008-10-25T10:24:00.001-05:002008-10-25T10:24:35.440-05:00<h2>An autumn post</h2><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics4/10.08/lsubear.jpg" alt="Bear sporting an LSU scarf" height="338" width="450" hspace="5" vspace="5"></div>It is a beautiful autumn day here in Covington. The contrast of the azure sky against the green oak leaves illumined by the morning sun is breath taking. The air has that fall crispness and the grass is cool and dew laden. Squirrels scamper in the overhead canopy and the result is pieces of acorns and pecan shells hitting the ground like a light hail storm. It is otherwise quiet. The sounds of man take a back seat to the ancient ever present sounds of nature. It is refreshing and enlivening. I could not imagine any drug or vitamin matching the deep feeling of awe and gratitude all of this stirs within me. It is a sense that I have tapped into what is real. It has always been here in some form and long after my life is over, it will continue. <br /><br />OK, this post is about to head to the more superficial. LSU hosts the Georgia Bull Dogs at 2:30 PM. Say what you will, but what would fall be like without the soundtrack of a football game. The buzz of the crowd and the descriptive conversation of the commentators? Bear will be dressed in his LSU collar / scarf combo modeled above.<br /><br /><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/jfstrain/blogpics4/10.08/girl500.jpg" align="right" alt="Eva Cassidy Art" height="500" width="274" hspace="5" vspace="5">Have you ever heard of a singer named Eva Cassidy? Her music is whimsical, soft, folk, and acoustic. She died in 1996 of cancer at the age of 36. She was an artist as well. Her niche was to sing other people's songs, yet her interpretation was often better than the original piece. Check her out on iTunes. A few of my favorites are: "Who knows where the time goes," "Somewhere over the rainbow," "Kathy's song," and "Somewhere." If you would like to see her art, you can see it here: <a href="http://www.evacassidy.com/" target="resource">Eva's Art</a>.<br /><br />On her art website, each print or piece has a blurb to explain the occasion or motivation, if known, of her creating it. For instance, the photo to the right has this explanation:<blockquote>According to her mother, Eva drew this picture in 1991, to be used as labels for honey jars Eva gave to family & friends - to help brighten their winters! On each label, Eva included the words, "Eva's Sun Elixir" in gold letters. The original is now in the home of her parents.</blockquote>It is strange to come across someone like Eva. I like her work, but she is already gone. She left beauty behind her. What a legacy to have - to know that your time on earth resulted in leaving positive marks on it. She only expressed what was in her. It was given up for anyone who would take the time to enjoy. For those who do so are enriched.<br /><br />In this time of "gotcha politics" and focusing on what makes us different, appreciating something because it is pretty or because it is a sweet sound is a welcome diversion. <br /><br />I have said it before, there is much more about all of us that is the same than there is different. The different can be interesting and mind stretching if we were to approach each other with a spirit of love and openness. Instead of looking for enemies we could be fellow sojourners through life.<br /><br />Yeah but.<br /><br />Why not?<br /><br />Until the next time,<br />John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-55194373776606199562008-09-11T21:51:00.001-05:002008-09-11T21:52:31.141-05:00<h2>Good luck Texas</h2><br />My prayers are with you my Texas friends. If you need help in the aftermath of this storm, I hope I can provide some.<br />Until the next time<br />John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-1518396881514681242008-09-03T23:55:00.003-05:002008-09-04T07:06:32.803-05:00<h2>Power is on</h2<br />It has only been two and a half days, but our power is back on. What a luxury to see when it is dark outside. I really think it would do everyone some good to live without power and predictable certainty for a few days every now and then. In my case, lack of something only increases my appreciation of it.<br /><br />Life is good, even when the power is out.<br /><br />Until the next time<br />John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-26365971475478708212008-09-03T06:54:00.002-05:002008-09-03T07:05:00.101-05:00<h2>Camping out</h2><br />I spent yesterday raking the yard and piling up about a zillion leaves and sticks. No major limbs or trees this time. We did drive around the area in search of gas. There is significant damage. Trees down and some trees on houses.<br /><br />Fortunately, we were spared the mass devastation, but the entire area is without power and it will be weeks before humpty dumpty is patched up. Here in Covington, they predict 5 -7 days before power is restored. The area affected is vast and much of Louisiana. I have been impressed with Governor Jindal's handling of the event.<br /><br />This time they are more strict about people returning home. They want to give people who are working on infrastructure time to work without having interference. It makes a bigger mess to repopulate the area before you can buy gas and groceries. Today in Covington, however, you can do both.<br /><br />I have not returned to work yet. No power at the clinic. All I have to do is call into the administrative office and check in.<br /><br />OK, I have to feed the pup, walk the pup, then go hook up my neighbor's generator to power his freezer, because he is stuck in Alabama somewhere.<br /><br />We are safe, sound, and camping out.<br /><br />Until the next time<br />John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-39233480452452480512008-09-02T06:48:00.002-05:002008-09-02T07:04:24.260-05:00<h2>Seeking normal</h2><br />It is still raining and blustery much like it was yesterday before the storm moved in. The house is hot and sticky with the un-air conditioned air. The generator drones on outside our kitchen and I am listening to the non-stop radio coverage. <br /><br />Extension cords are running from my kitchen window around the corner to the den on one run and to our bedroom on the other run. I thought I had them out of the way, but Barbara fell over one last night. Two sore knees, but no permanent damage. The yard is strewn with limbs, many of them gnarly and sharp. Oaks are notorious shin scrapers. The yard will have to be raked to get them. I picked a few up when I had Bear out earlier. One stick must have been in an ant hill, because they got me. <br /><br />I heard from work and I am supposed to report back tomorrow. No power or phones in the building. I think power will be restored in a few days. Even with Katrina it was only two weeks, for me.<br /><br />Up to this point, hurricanes are really "fun." I am not trying to be funny or insensitive. It is the uniting around a common purpose, the sense of urgency and danger, and being with friends and family in an abnormal setting. Very much like snow days I suppose for my northern friends.<br /><br />Now, the not so fun part is upon us - you pay for your fun. The process is a good way to test your mettle. These things bring out the best and the worst in people.<br /><br />I am pleased with the leadership this go around. I am also encouraged by the progress made in New Orleans with the flood protection. If they can get it completed before it is destroyed, I think New Orleans will have a high degree of safety.<br /><br />Now, it is time to get to work. Have a nice day where you are.<br /><br />Until the next time<br />John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-24141872985543440072008-09-01T18:17:00.002-05:002008-09-01T18:25:21.822-05:00<h2>Coming back</h2><br />I fired up the generator at 6 pm. This is one time Katrina came in handy. She provided good training for coping without the usual services. I have Internet, DirecTV - I hooked it back up, lights, and the refrigerator is running. I am thankful. When I finish this post, I am going to fire up the grill and start cooking chicken.<br /><br />There is a lot of debris around, but nothing like Katrina. I really have a limited perspective at this point. <br /><br />We are OK. The rain and wind continue to blow through in squalls. It is raining more now than it did during the brunt of the storm. We are still in for some bad weather, but the worst is past.<br /><br />Until the next time<br />John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.com