I think I will start with the frustrations first, because if I don't, it will ruin the end of this blog entry. Maybe I should have split this off into two entries; oh well...

I spent most of yesterday trying to figure out why my main email program wasn't working properly. I can connect to my ISP, but accessing my email and my account information generally causes a page display problem, or with Firefox, a timed out error. There is self help from the ISP online, which didn't work, and free email help from the tech support department, which is disabled on my machine, so I called at $1.95 per minute to see if there was something I was doing wrong.

The support lady was polite, especially as my level of frustration was running high, but a tad under trained. What a waste of time. I managed to get an email to billing to complain about being charged for a call that was worthless, IMHO, and received a reply that they appreciate my feedback, but will not reverse the charge. In that email, there was another address for tech support, not their online version. One would think that it would be wise to make that web address known, just in case one might have other email access to the information superhighway. So, I just fired off an email to that address to complain again. I guess I'll see what happens. In the meantime, my belief is that their system is overloaded, a conclusion I came across in my mind last night, and they just don't want people to know they need to upgrade their servers to handle the load.

Switching gears. I am a man of simple means, especially now, being on SDI, but I got to thinking yesterday. Even though I had this stroke and am right side deficient and CPS, my general health is good. I have a small two bedroom apartment with modest furnishings. I have a decent running car, paid for thankfully. I have a good church family and some friends that mean the world to me. My kids, bless them, don't associate themselves with me (another story-ex has tainted their impression of me :bop: ), but I know they are not on drugs or hanging out with the wrong people. It is a blessing just to have children, and my three girls are special to me, even in these weird circumstances. I have two computers, a laptop and desktop, a PDA and 3 TV's, an old stereo system that works fine, tons of music to listen to, a cell phone, and a boatload of books. All these things can keep my mind occupied while home. I have a sufficient amount of clothes; maybe not the most stylish, but they work for me. I have food in the apartment, and clean running water.

I am a man of modest means, even sub par, by this country's standards, but I am so wealthy when compared to the homeless, to those who live in parts of the world, struggling to have food to eat or clean water. I think of those wrongly imprisoned around the world or persecuted for their beliefs. And what about those young men and women engaged in war, placing their lives on the line everyday?

I am rich. In this season, where honestly there is so much wrapped up in the commercialism of it all, I think about what is important in life, and how I may give back this upcoming year. A new year's resolution, of sorts. What can I give of myself to help others? How can I spread my wealth of blessings, my time and energy, to make a difference in this world to those who really need it? I have several ideas running around my noggin' and will soon solicit some advice from those close to me. In the meantime, I count myself very lucky to be where I am at. Thank you God for Your bountiful blessings!

Thankfulness and frustration. What a combo! Today I will try to stay focused on the thankfulness. It is much better for the psyche. :big_grin: