"Marley and Me" Labs me or not...recalled from an old journal

part of this blog's text was copied from my original MySpace profile blog; wanted to share some thoughts with other and possibly entice more followers for Mr. Grogan's wonderful creation...the story was filmed starring the wonderfully funny Jennifer Anniston and Owen Wilson.

A while ago, I longed to grab a copy of this literary piece, just like the author himself, my family owns a labrador retriever.

Finally, I had a chance to read the book. I've long finished reading it and so much has transpired with my personal life since then. This book made me laugh and shed a tear or two, it is hilarious in some ways and mellow in another.  It talks about personal life experiences made colorful by one rambunctious living and breathing thing - a dog.

Love of a pet friend is something life has bestowed upon human beings.  You love a dog and it loves you back freely and unconditionally.  Although the Lab breed (if you happen to own the American line, which I do) maybe somewhat on the hyper note, owning this breed teaches you a lot of life's philosophies often disregarded by many.  I share most of the angst of the author about owning a Lab but at the end of the day I realize that what he says about the biggest lesson he's taken from owning such a dog "That commitment matters.  That in good times and bad, in sickness and in health really means something" is so true.

A big kudos to the author John Grogan, I've been a big fan since then!  However, my belief about commitment has been shaken a bit and I am more skeptical about what it takes to keep commitment working to keep one's self worth matter again...

Jul 25, '082:38 PM

President Ronald Reagan Dies...as recalled from an old journal

Early morning of June 5, 2004 a sad news swept the whole country of America with the death of a charismatic leader, retired at 93 he was the eldest person to become the President of one of the greatest unions in the world - The United States of America.

June 7th - I decided to pay respect at the Reagan Library which is just about 3 miles away from my place where he laid in repose.   This turned out to be the longest wait ever that I had to endure just to see some one's casket...it was an 8-hour ordeal just to board the shuttle from Moorpark College to get to to the library (though I was practically close to it I couldn't just drive there due to security measures).  But it was worth the wait, I was able to witness the changing of the guards which happened every 30 minutes. I was so impressed with one of the honor guards, a member of the navy.  Yes one of them was a 'she' and was impressively tall and pretty.

After the trip I finally went home at 5 AM the following day!!!   And I had to start work at 6:30 AM.  No sleep at all but still went to work, I felt so haggard, so sleepy but managed to make it through the day.

June 10th - Before having dinner, I took the kids to the mini-memorial that people had set up - which is at the foot of the Presidential Drive which leads to the library itself.  My son kept asking "When is the president coming back?"  Not sure if he meant coming back alive or coming back to the library in his casket. I do not recall my response...

Aug 16, '04 10:31 PM
 

Special Memories

I've never really realized this,

Sort of special feelings

Once I thought I had

But just kept it for fear.

Now memories are coming back again,

Like the rush of a waterfall

Your sweet smile, times we've spent together

Especially that one special day we were out.

When you waived at me,

My heart was filled with gladness

When you sat next to me and I felt your breath,

I was like an eagle soaring high.

You lifted my spirts,

Memories of you paint my face with a smile

And this is all I have,

But will treasure it forever...

CIG 11/15/00