We Just Disagree

I do not understand people who cannot stand to associate civilly with people whom they may not agree with, or share the same beliefs. I would rather hear and see views that oppose mine. It would be a boring world if I were surrounded only by people who agree with me all of the time. It would be a futile position to be in to constantly be "preaching to the choir".

In the real world, or at Facebook as well as other social media, some of my closest friends have polar opposite views to mine, in religion, politics, sexuality and general ethics or policy. It is funny when I hear of people dissociating with or unfriending people who do not agree with them or have opposing beliefs. I UNDERSTAND getting away from people who push their beliefs on you or constantly push at you for not agreeing with them, or who are just otherwise toxic to you, but if someone is just living by example and not being pushy, far be it from me to worry about them, or fear they will somehow damage me in some way. I am secure enough in my beliefs (politically, socially, sexually, morally) that I can be with, hear or see others who disagree with me. This gives me an option to UNDERSTAND where they are coming from and either consider their point of view, or become better positioned to know that I am happy with my current view. But if you surround yourself in your circle with only those who think and act like you do, you can find your circle getting smaller especially if you become vocally critical of those outside your beliefs or practices.

I know a lot of people who are not jerks or a-holes that I think very highly of who do not agree with me politically, or spiritually. It is just a matter of having an open mind, making decisions for yourself and giving people a little tolerance. Pick those battles carefully, in the long run, it does not matter what your neighbor is doing if you are true to yourself. You wont be changing any minds being around only like minded people and yes men. You really cant understand someones view if you simply ignore it. When you understand it you are more qualified to disagree with it. BUT when and if you impose your feelings on someone without solicitation, you too become one of THOSE PEOPLE. Civility and tolerance do not necessarily have to share the same labels, membership cards or arm patches.

You dont have to agree with me, it is ok.

I Am A Workaholic. Sorry.

TO MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY: Hello, my name is Harry, and I am a workaholic. HAHA! No, but seriously, I just wanted to get something off of my chest. Sometimes I feel like my friends and family might think that I am neglecting them. I do not get out to visit them often enough, or take road trips and do stay overs, or accept dinner invitations or invitations to get togethers, largely because of the excuse that I am busy, or working. Guilty as charged. Many do not know my actual schedule, or demands on my off time, but I do not get a TON of down time, and even less down time with Lori. Often when I have free time she is occupied and vice versa. Occasionally there are periods where my work load lightens and we get out more socially. That has not been the case of late with the domestic and work situations here.

We do not take vacations, and being self sufficient, I do not get paid time off or sick days either. Running the business, taking care of the houses and overseeing the historic groups, researching and what not take a lot of time, and often on a night off, sitting in front of the tv with a good drink, good food and good company is hard to resist. We try to get an occasional road trip out to Orlando or other close location when we can, if we can, but not often.

Many of my friends run karaoke or are entertainers and are always wondering why I never come to their shows. Usually because I am working. Many do not realize how far away I live as well. It is tough to justify 2 hours of driving to go to karaoke on your night off, LOL. It is not that I don't support them, it is merely logistics.

I miss a lot of social engagements due to my schedule or physical proximity. I just don't want anyone to feel as if I am ignoring them. One upside of my job is that I can socialize somewhat on the clock, and that gives me SOME social outlet, and makes me available to those who seek me out, but it makes it hard for me to appear on their turf at times.

One day I will slow down to a manageable schedule, but I tend to like to strike while the iron is hot. I had the lightest schedule I ever had at the start of this year, but I am back to a normal busy schedule. I feel if there is a demand for my service, I should provide it while I can and prepare for the future. I can rest later, LOL.

The last time I intentionally took a day off was back in 2010 so I could go to New York for the TV appearance in studio. I had a forced few days off during the hurricane (but that was no rest) and one of my employers gave me a few days off as a gift a few years ago, but I stayed close to home. If I were known for my extensive travel or free time, my friends would have a serious gripe, HAHA. But, I think often, many are not aware of just how often I am working, especially on the days I do not plaster it all over FB.

So if you invite me over, out or to visit, and we say no, it is nothing personal, it is either because I am working, or unavailable with grandkids at home, or other reasons. We have not had the annual bonfires lately due to burn bans. I just got the vibe that some of my people might be a little alienated that we don't socialize much. Just wanted you to know it is on me. I know I should take more time off or take vacations or have down time, but I have my own reasons for not doing that as well. They would be hard to explain, and I will save THAT for another day.

Thanks for understanding, and if I ever alienated you in any way or made you feel ignored, insulted or unappreciated as a friend I apologize.