My Top 3 Favorite Spirits

This is my list of top 3 favorites spirits in each category.

Straight Bourbon 

1.  Eagle Rare Aged 10 Years Bourbon 

2.  Blanton's Single Barrell Bourbon 

3.  Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon 

Wheated Bourbon 

1.  Larceny Small Batch Bourbon 

2.  Weller Special Reserve Bourbon

3.  Hard Truth Wheated Bourbon Bottle In Bond

Finished Bourbon 

1.  Angel's Envy Straight Bourbon 

2.  Angel's Envy Single Barrell Bourbon 

3.  Starlight Carl T Huber's Bourbon Finished in Japanese Mizunara Barrells

Blended Whiskey 

1.  Travellers Whiskey 

2.  Von Payne Black Blended Whiskey 

3.  Travellers Full Proof Whiskey 

Tennessee Whiskey 

1.  King's Creek Black Label Whiskey

2.  Nelson's Green Brier Whiskey 

3.  Jack Daniel's Old No.7 Tennessee Whiskey 

Rye Whiskey 

1.  Bulleit Rye 

2.  Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye

3.  Rossville Union Straight Rye

Japanese Whisky 

1.  Kaigan Japanese Whisky

2.  Toki Suntory Whisky

3.  Kanekou Okinawa Whisky

Flavored Whiskey 

1.  Hard Truth Peanut Butter Whiskey 

2.  Starlight Blackberry Whiskey 

3.  King's Creek Black Label Brown Sugar Whiskey 

Tequila 

1.  Tequila Ocho Plata Tequila 

2.  Suavecito Anejo Tequila 

3.  Pantaloans Reposado Tequila 

Gin

1.  Roku Gin

2.  Greenhouse Classic Gin

3.  Tanqueray No. TEN Gin

Vodka 

1.  Wheatley Vodka 

2.  Hard Truth Vodka 

3.  Ketel One Vodka 

Rum

1.  Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum

2.  Largo Bay Silver Rum 

3.  Largo Bay Coconut Rum 

Creams

1.  Bailey Irish Cream

2.  Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream 

3.  Hard Truth Maple Bourbon Cream 

Whiskey and Bourbon Journey

Ranking Whiskey I've Owned:

S-Tier 

1.  Eagle Rare Aged 10 Years Bourbon

2.  Travellers Whiskey

3.  Von Payne Black Blended Whiskey

4.  Angel's Envy Straight Bourbon

5.  Blanton's Single Barrell Bourbon 

6.  Larceny Small Batch Bourbon

A-Tier

7.  King's Creek Black Label Whiskey

8.  Nelson's Green Brier Whiskey

9.  Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon

10.  Angel's Envy Single Barrell Bourbon

11.  Weller Special Reserve Bourbon

12.  Hard Truth Henry A. Sipes Bourbon 

13.  Hard Truth Wheated Bourbon Bottle In Bond

14.  Bulleit Rye

15.  Hard Truth Four Grain Bourbon Bottle In Bond 

16.  Hard Truth Peanut Butter Whiskey

17.  Starlight Carl T Huber's Bourbon Finished in Japanese Mizunara Barrells

18.  E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon 

19.  Willett Kentucky Straight Bourbon 

20.  Larceny Barrell Proof Bourbon 

21. Starlight Carl T Huber's Bottle in Bond Bourbon 

B-Tier

22.  Old Forester 100 Proof Bourbon 

23.  Old Forester Straight Bourbon 

24.  Starlight Single Barrell Huber's Light Whiskey 

25.  Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon 

26.  Bear Wallow Indiana 46 Bourbon 

27.  Nelson's Bros Reserve Bourbon

28.  Kaigan Japanese Whisky

29.  Toki Suntory Whisky

30.  Bear Wallow Gnaw Bone Bourbon 

31.  Starlight Blackberry Whiskey 

32.  Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye

C -Tier

33.  Jack Daniel's Old No.7 Tennessee Whiskey 

34.  King's Creek Black Label Brown Sugar Whiskey 

35.  Kanekou Okinawa Whisky

36.  Benchmark Full Proof Bourbon 

37.  Rossville Union Straight Rye

38.  Sazerac Rye

39.  Liar's Bench Straight Rye Whiskey

40.  Travellers Whiskey Full Proof

D-Tier

41.  Tradewater Kentucky Bourbon

42.  Jim Beam Bourbon

F-Tier

43.  Copper Still Chocolate Peanut Butter Whiskey 

This is my Infinity Bottle:

Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon 

Larceny Small Batch Bourbon 

Bear Wallow Gnaw Bone Bourbon 

Nelson's Green Brier Whiskey 

Toki Suntory Whiskey

Angel's Envy Straight Bourbon 

Benchmark Full Proof

Old Forester Straight Bourbon 

King's Creek Black Label Whiskey 

Rossville Union Straight Rye

Jim Beam Bourbon

Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye

Travellers Whiskey

Liar's Bench Straight Rye Whiskey

Eagle Rare Aged 10 Years Bourbon

Angel's Envy Single Barrell Bourbon 

Kanekou Okinawa Whisky

Starlight Carl T Huber's Bottle in Bond Bourbon 

Blanton's Single Barrell 

Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon 

Bear Wallow Indiana 46 Bourbon

Hawaii Trip Planning

Here are my tips for planning a trip to Hawaii, Oahu/Waikiki. These tips are basically for couples.  

1.  Hotel:  We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott in Waikiki.  This hotel is centered in Waikiki within walking distance to every beach in Waikiki and all the major shopping centers.  Plus, there are plenty of great places to eat within a 5 - to 10-minute walk.  The rooms are small, but the shower has good water pressure, the bed was comfortable and the room was clean.  We had a nice balcony that we would sit on in the morning to enjoy coffee and breakfast.  The pool area was like a private oasis.   It was shaded by palm trees and had plenty of seating.  It was a great place to go after the beach when you still wanted to be outside, but didn't want the direct sunlight and crowds of the beach.  This is an affordable hotel, and we loved our stay.

2.  Air Travel:  I was really worried about flying to Hawaii.  In total, you will be on a plane around 8+ hours.  So, I recommend flying with a major airline like United, Delta, American, or Southwest.  They are going to be much better than cheap airlines.  We flew with United.  We liked the planes and the staff, but the app is a little confusing.  When leaving Hawaii, get to the airport a little earlier, so you can check out the botanica garden at the airport.  It's really cool. And I recommend wearing compression socks when flying.  

3.  Transportation:  I do recommend getting a rental car for at least part of the trip. We had ours for 2 days.  Because parking is expensive and parking spaces are small, don't get anything too big.  We got a Chevy Camero Convertible, and it was perfect for driving around the island.  But once you've had a chance to drive around the island, return your rental car and focus the rest of the trip in Waikiki where you can walk anywhere you need.  

4.  Places to Drive:  Here are the places and sites you will want to be able to drive to while in Oahu, Hawaii. I highly recommend the Byodo-In Temple.  It is a beautiful and peaceful site located in the back of a cemetery that has grave markers from different religions. Plan to spend about an hour there.  Drive along the coast line on the HI-83.  You will see plenty of beaches and mountains, and you'll be able to pull off to take pictures.  Next, you'll want to visit Waimea Valley and hike along the paved trail to the waterfall.  You'll see many beautiful plants and landscapes.  This is an easy hike anyone can do.  You should plan to spend 2 hours there, but you could do longer if you want.  Then you'll want to drive to the North Shore and the town of Halwwia.  This is a surfer town with shops and restaurants and food trucks.  Walk along the street and enjoy this tourist town.  Get a shave ice at Matsumoto Shave Ice.  Plan for 2 to 3 hours.  Finally, make your way to the Dole Plantation and try an authentic Pineapple Whip.  The grounds are beautiful and the gift shop has lots to choose.  I'd say plan on an hour.  Other places I'd recommend driving to are the Halona Blowhole Lookout and the Amelia Earhart Marker.  Both are great places to stop and take pictures.  This will also take you around Diamond Head.  Along this route, you will get plenty of chances to see beautiful beaches, mountains, and the ocean. Diamond Head is also very popular to hike, but we aren't much for hiking and decided to pass.

5.  Pearl Harbor:  Pearl Harbor is a must do.  It is a sobering place that will stir a lot of emotions.  I recommend going as part of a small tour.  We were with 2 other couples in a luxury van.  Our tour guide picked us up at the hotel and took us to Pearl Harbor.  Along the way, he pointed out historical sites.  After Pearl Harbor, our tour driver took us around Honolulu, showing us more historical sites and stories behind them.  We also went into the Punch Bowl Crater, which is a memorial site for soldiers.  Please remember to tip your driver at the end.

6.  Luau:  Some research we did said a Luau was too expensive and too touristy.  We went to the Luau at Paradise Cove and loved it.  It was worth every penny.  The food was very good, especially the roasted pork.  The show was beautiful, exciting, and fun.  Unlike some other laua, I saw and researched Paradise Cove felt more real and not like a tourist trap. The entire area was next to the ocean, and it felt like a private island. There were activities, shows, and a gift shop.  I think if you are going to Hawaii for the first time, you must do a Luau, and I highly recommend Paradise Cove.  

7.  Restaurants in Waikiki:  Leonard's Bakery for malasadas (Portuguese donuts), Donut King for more traditional donuts (super good).  Marugame Udon for a truly authentic udon made on-site, but know it is always busy.  For a more upscale experience in dining, consider Duke's Restaurant, but pass on the salad bar.  If you want to try a few different places at one location, check out the food court at the Royal Hawaiian Center.  It's an upscale shopping center, and the food court has some really good choices like L&L Hawaiian, 206 BCE, and Poke Waikiki. Another place to get food, especially for lunch you can bring to the beach, is the ABC Stores.  They are on every corner and a good place to find souvenirs and other things you might need, like sunscreen. We got Shave Ice at 4 locations in Hawaii.  1 at the North Shore and then 3 more in Waikiki.  And all 4 were different.  I do recommend Ice Monster and Lahaina Shave Ice in Waikiki.  Both are different and awesome. 

8.  Shopping:  First, when you get to Hawaii, go to Walmart. Get some bottle water, snacks, and a couple of folding chairs that you can use on the beach.  We found chairs for only $11, and on our last day, we gave them away to some people on the beach.  Now for some more fun shopping, check out the 2 main open air shopping centers in Waikiki:  the International Marketplace and the Royal Hawaiian Center.  You'll also want to check out Duke's Marketplace.  It's down a little alley filled with stalls of shops that have all kinds of Hawaiian souvenirs and wears.  What's great about Waikiki shopping is that there are places that have more moderate priced items and high-end stores, too. 

9.  Beaches:  There are beaches all around Oahu, but we stuck to the beaches in Waikiki.  While driving, we stopped and took pictures of some beaches.  From our hotel, we were able to walk in less than 10 minutes to 3 different beaches in Waikiki.  Waikiki has 2 miles of beaches, and they are all a little different.  The first we went to was the beach on the Fort DeRussy Boardwalk behind the Hawaii Army Museum.  It is less crowded and very close to the ocean.  There are also picnic tables behind the beach.  The beach is a little more rocky, especially in the water.  Next, we went to the actual Fort DeRussy Beach a little further down closer to the Hilton Hawaiian Village.  This is a larger beach area with soft white sands.  The water is clear, and the sand is clear of rocks.  The water is mostly calm for the ocean.  It is a busy beach with lots of people, but we were able to find a spot with no trouble and had more than enough room. We saw an amazing sunset on this beach. This is also a great beach to be on Friday night to watch a free fireworks show.  The last beach we went to was Kuhio Beach.  This beach is cool because the water here gets more waves, so you'll see a lot of surfers.  The water is more active with more waves, making it lots of fun.  The beach is busy, but again, we had no trouble finding a spot.  

10. What to Avoid:  The Honolulu Zoo was very small and how it was set up we weren't able to see a lot of animals.  It's not a bad zoo, but there are better.  Don't waste a lot of money on alcohol.  Alcoholic beverages are very expensive, and they aren't any better than what you can get at any other bar.  We didn't drink a lot, but looking back, I wished we'd just saved our money considering the expense.  Buy some beer or Hawaiian Whiskey for your hotel room.

11.  Misc:  Expect to do a lot of walking, but take your time.  Things do move slower.  What I found interesting about the other tourists there is how happy and laid back everyone was during our visit.  Everyone just seems to be having a good time.  Make sure you have cash as some places don't take cards, and you'll need it for tips.  If you are just going to visit Oahu, I would plan on spending at least 5 to 6 nights.  We stayed 6 nights, and it was the perfect amount.  If you want to visit other islands, you'll want to add at least 3 to 4 more nights.  Also, don't sleep in or stay up too late.  Go to bed at a reasonable time and get up early.  There is so much to do and see, don't waste the daylight.

12.  Budget:  Whatever you spend on the hotel and airfare plan and spending that much when you get to Hawaii. Then add an extra $1000 just in case.  Hawaii is not cheap, but it is worth it.

Cocktails

1. Bear Wallow Sassafras Old Fashioned 

Orange Bitters, 3/4oz Simple Syurp, 3/4oz Sassafras Tea Concentrate, 2oz Bear Wallow Gnaw Bone Bourbon

2. Hoosier Mule

3/4oz Lime Juice, 2oz Bear Wallow Hooiser Hooch Moonshine, Top off with Ginger Beer 

3.  Sugar Cream Pie Old Fashioned 

Orange Bitters, 3/4oz Bear Wallow Sugar Cream Pie Moonshine, 2oz Bear Wallow Gnaw Bone Bourbon 

4.  Salted Carmel Hooch Old Fashioned 

Angostura Bitters, 1/2oz Carmel Syurp, 3/4oz Bear Wallow Salted Carmel Hooch Moonshine, 2oz Bear Wallow Gnaw Bone Bourbon 

5.  Agave Tequila Lemonade 

Orange Bitters, 3/4 oz Agave Syurp, 3/4oz Lemon Juice, 3/4oz Lime Juice, 2oz Tequila 

6.  A Good Old Fashioned 

Cocktail Cherries, Candied Orange Twist, Angostura Bitters, 3/4oz Simple Syurp, Essential Orange Oil, 2oz Bourbon 

7.  Barley Whiskey Tea Cooler 

3/4oz Simple Syurp, 3/4oz Lemon Juice, 2oz Japanese Whiskey, Top off with Cold Brew Barley Tea 

8.  Negroni Sbagliato 

3/4oz Campari, 3/4oz Sweet Vermouth, Top off with Presecco

9.  Home for the Holidays 

Angostura Bitters, 3/4oz Cranberry Juice, 3/4oz Lime Juice, Egg White, 2oz Vodka, top with Cloves

10.  Old Margarita Fashioned 

Orange Bitters, 3/4oz Simple Syurp, 3/4oz Lime Juice, 2oz Tequila 

11.  Hot Teaoddy

Angostura Bitters, 3/4oz Honey, Hot Black Tea, 2oz Rye Whiskey 

12.  Jimmy Beam Apple Old Fashioned 

Angostura Bitters, 3/4oz Simple Syurp, Apple Slice, Cherry, 2oz Jim Beam Apple Bourbon 

13.  Cherry Lime Old Fashioned 

Orange Bitters, Cherry, 3/4oz Simple Syurp, 3/4oz Lime Juice, 2oz Rye Whiskey 

14.  Green Brier Old Fashioned 

Angostura Bitters, 3/4oz Simple Syurp, 2oz Nelson's Green Brier Whiskey, Splash of Grenadine 

15.  Mint Julip

Mint Leaves, 3/4oz Simple Syurp, Muddle, 2oz Bourbon, Pour in glass with Crushed Ice

16.  Kentucky Dew

2oz Bourbon, Top with Mountain Dew

17.  Old Fashioned Theif

Angostura Bitters, 3/4oz Simple Syurp, 2oz Larceny Bourbon, Splash of Grenadine 

18. Sex in Malibu 

2oz Cranberry Juice, 2oz Orange Juice, 2oz Malibu Rum

19. ButterSCOTCH Hot Chocolate 

2oz Butterscotch Schnapps, Hot Chocolate 

20.  Hard Truth Maple Nipple

2oz Butterscotch Schnapps, 2oz Hard Truth Maple Bourbon Cream 

21.  Watermelon Vodka Splash 

3/4oz Sour Mix, 3/4oz Cranberry Juice, 3/4oz Pineapple Juice, 2oz Watermelon Vodka 

22.  Kiss in the Sun

3/4oz Sour Mix, 2oz Coconut Rum, Sunkist Orange Soda 

23.  Old Fashioned Cola

Angostura Bitters, Splash of Cherry Juice, 2oz Whiskey, Cola

24.  Dr. Cherry Tea

3/4oz Rum, 3/4oz Vodka, 3/4oz Tequila, 3/4oz Triple Sec, 3/4oz Sour Mix, Splash of Cherry Juice, Top off with Dr. Pepper 

25.  Hard Truth Maple Milkshake 

2oz Hard Truth Maple Bourbon Cream, Milk

26. Hard V8

8oz V8, 3/4oz Tequila, 3/4oz Rum, 3/4oz Vodka, 3 Dashes of Worcestershire sauce, 3 Dashes of Hot Sauce, 1/4oz Lime Juice, Olives 

27.  Sparkling Mojito

Mint Leaves, 3/4oz Simple Syurp, 1oz Lime Juice, Muddle, ice 2oz White Rum, shake, pour over ice Top with 7Up or Sprite. 

28. Alright, Alright, Alright Margarita 

Orange Bitters, 3/4oz Agave Syurp, 3/4oz Orange Contiure, 3/4 Oz Lime Juice, 2oz Tequila 

29.  Gold Rush

3/4oz Honey syrup, 3/4oz lemon juice, 2oz Bourbon 

30.  Lainey Wlison

2oz of Watermelon Moonshine cut with 1/2 Oz of lime.

31.  Angel's Old Fashioned 

3 Dashes Orange Bitters, 3/4oz Simple Syurp, 2oz Angel's Envy Bourbon, Splash of Grenadine, Luxardo Cherry and Dehydrated Orange Slice.

32.  Japanese Ginger Whisky Highball

2oz of Japanese Whisky topped with Ginger Ale

33.  Paloma Soda 

2oz Silver Tequila, 3/4oz Lime Juice, topped with Grapefruit soda

34.  Rum Lemon Fizzy

2oz Silver Rum, 1oz Triple Sec, 1oz Lemon juice, top with lemon lime soda

35.  Dr. Von Payne

2oz Von Payne Whiskey and Dr. Pepper 

36.  Watermelon Mint Smash

Fresh Mint muddled with Fresh Watermelon, shake with 2oz of Watermelon Moonshine 

37.  Orange Soda Mojito 

Fresh Mint muddled with 3/4oz Agave Syurp and 3/4oz Lime Juice.  2oz of Rum, shake, pour over ice Top with Orange Soda. 

38.  Lunchbox 

3/4oz Raspberry Liquor, 3/4oz Peanut Butter Whiskey, Dr. Pepper

39.  Buttery Coffee

1oz Coffee, 1oz Bourbon Cream, and 1oz Butterscotch Schnapps

40.  Ocho Margarita 

2oz Tequila Ocho. 3/4oz Triple Sec, 1oz Lime Juice, 1/2oz Simple Syrup, Orange Bitters

41.  Cosmo

2oz Vodka, 3/4oz Cointreau, 3/4oz Lime Juice, 1oz Cranberry Juice shaken over ice. 

42.  Yuza Lime Whiskey Sour

2oz Starlight Carl T Huber's Bourbon Finished in Japanese Mizunara Barrells, topped with Lime and Yuza Club Soda

43.  Classic Tom Collins

2oz Gin, 1oz Lemon Juice, 1oz Simple Syurp, topped with Club Soda

44.  3 Olive Gin Martini

2oz Gin, 1/4oz Olive Juice, and 3 Olives

45.  Cucumber Mint Bloody Mary

8oz V8, 2oz Cucumber Mint Vodka, 3 Dashes of Worcestershire sauce, Lime Juice, Lemon Juice, Salt, Pepper, and Olives 

46.  Yuza Gin Cocktail 

2oz of Gin, 1oz of Yuza Juice, 1oz of Simple Syurp, topped with Club Soda 

47.  Yuza Lime Gin Sour

2oz of Gin topped with Lime and Yuza Club Soda 

48.  Yuza Whiskey Sour

2oz Starlight Carl T Huber's Bourbon Finished in Japanese Mizunara Barrells, 1oz Yuza Juice, 3/4oz Simple Syurp, 1/2oz Lemon Juice 

49.  Yuza Gimlet

2oz Japanese Gin, 1oz Yuzu Juice, and 3/4oz Simple Syrup

50.  Alton Brown's Margarita 

2oz Tequila, 2oz Orange Liqueur, 1/2 Lime Juice

51.  Alton Brown's Cosmo

2oz Vodka, 1oz Orange Liqueur, 1/4oz Lime Juice, 1/2oz Cranberry Juice 

52.  ButterSCOTCH Coffee Martini 

1oz Coffee, 1oz Bourbon Cream, 1oz Coffee Liqueur, 1oz Butterscotch Schnapps 

53.  Aviation Ale Mule

2oz Aviation Gin, 3/4oz Lime Juice, topped with Ginger Ale

54.  Bourbon Cream Tiramisu

1oz Bourbon Cream, 1oz Coffee Liqueur, 1oz Vodka, Chocolate Bitters

55.  Yuza Lemon Tom Collins

2oz Roku Gin, 1oz Yuza Juice, 1oz Lemon Juice, 1oz Simple Syurp topped with Club Soda 

56.  Bloody Hoosier

8oz V8, 2oz Willow Creek Hooiser Hooch, 3 Dashes of Worcestershire sauce, 3 Dashes of Hot Sauce, 2 dashes of Lime and Lemon Juice, Salt, Peppee, Pickle and Juice, Olive and Olive Juice

57.  Bloody Dog

8oz V8, 2oz Buffalo Trace White Dog, 3 Dashes of Worcestershire sauce, 3 Dashes of Hot Sauce, 2 dashes of Lime and Lemon Juice, Salt, Peppee, Pickle and Juice, Olive and Juice

58.  Coffee Old Fashioned 

1.5oz of Bourbon, 3/4oz Coffee Liqueur, 3/4oz Simple Syurp, Chocolate and Orange Bitters 

59.  Jenny's Old Fashioned 

1.5oz of Bourbon, 3/4oz Simple Syurp, 3 bar spoons of Cherry Juice, 3 Cherries,  Orange Bitters 

60.  Ranch Water

2oz Tequila, 3/4oz Lime Juice, 1/2oz Agave Syurp, Topped with your choice of flavored Sparkling Water

61.   Toasted in the Sun

2oz Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum, 1/2oz Lemon Juice, 1/2oz Lime Juice, topped with Orange Soda 

62.  Jenny's Cherry Smash Punch

2oz Ketel One Peach and Orange Blossom Vodka, 1oz Lime Juice, 5 Cherries Muddled, 1/4oz Cherry Juice, Topped with Pear Sparkling Water

63.  Fresh Watermelon Margarita 

4oz Fresh Watermelon, 1.5oz Tequila, 1oz Lime Juice, 1/2oz Agave Syurp, Muddle together, then shake, and strain in rocks glass 

64.  Cherry Float Coke and Whiskey 

1.5oz Tennessee Whiskey, Cherry Float Coke and Splash of Cherry Juice 

65.  Fresh Peach Old Fashioned 

Angostura Bitters, 2-3 slices of Fresh Peaches, 3/4oz Simple Syurp, 3/4oz Rye, 2oz Bourbon Muddle, then ice.

Being An Adult

Being a responsible adult is great.  The pride from being on your own, accomplishing life goals, progressing in your career, moving up the income ladder to be able to own a home, a nice car and go on vacations.  As for marriage you never know who is going to walk into your life.  I wasn't looking for my wife when I found her, but married 26 years and going.

If you expect the first job you find you love and that you will stay at for 40 years, well you are going to be disappointed.  But on the flip side if you think you are going to be in a job you hate, then you have are already decided to hate your job.  You decide what job you will take and you decide if you are going to like it, love it, or hate it.  If your first job isn't the best fit, then gain as much experience and skills as you can and when the time is right find another job.  You are only stuck in a job you hate if you choose to stay and not look for something better.  I've been working full-time for over 27 years.   I've changed jobs 11 times.  5 where in the same field, 3 where in similar fields, and 3 were completely new.  I left some for a better opportunity.  Some I left because the company was going under.  I was laid-off twice and yes I have left a job because I just absolutely hated it.  But that is all fine.  And fact is you may not always love your work, but you can love how you do your work.  It is up to you.  

Being an adult isn't terrible unless you make it that way.  Most people see only the negative and never look at the positive.   Will there be hard times?  Sure, but that is how we grow.  Life isn't all sunshine and rainbows.  Nothing will hit you harder than life. But winning is all about taking the hits and moving forward.  If you know what you are worth, then go out and get what you are worth be it in a job, a spouse, friends, hobbies, a home, or whatever.  You decide your own happiness.

A Gun is a Gun Not a Prop.

The tragedy of the shooting by Alec Baldwin on the movie set killing one person shows the ignorance of movie stars, directors, and the media on guns.  The problem is they are calling the gun a "prop gun."  A prop gun can't shoot a bullet, because it isn't a real gun.  So it was a real gun that could shoot real bullets. Stop calling it a prop gun.  It is a gun.  And the first rule of gun safety is you always assume a gun is loaded.  And if you are an actor who doesn't know how to personally check if a gun is loaded, then you shouldn't be pulling the trigger.

3 Marriage Tips

I've been married longer than I haven't been married and to the same woman. Here are my 3 tips to a successful marriage. 

1. Be best friends. Find things you both enjoy and do them together just as you would with any friend. Take an active interest in what they like and enjoy. You should both enjoy doing things together, hanging out, and sharing life as friends. Like the song says, "how can we be lovers, if we can't be friends."

2. Be open about sex. I'm not going to say how much sex you should have or what kind of sex. But you should be honest with each other about what you want in your sex life. You should be open to what the other person wants and needs in your sex life. And you should respect the boundaries of the other person. Sex should always be something that brings you closer and never drives you apart. (I will give one specific sex advise...hotel sex. Make plans to take overnight and weekend trips to a hotel just for sex. Do this a few times a year.)

3. Go to bed angry. I know you have heard the saying, "never go to bed angry." Well I disagree. Most arguments are dumb and not worth the time, but if you continue an argument when it is late and you are both tired it will only get worse. You are going to fight. It happens, but if you linger on it and drain yourself every time you argue it will put a strain on you both. Sometimes the best solution to an argument is to agree to sleep on it and let things calm down. Usually in the morning after you are refreshed you see the argument was dumb after all.

Rush Limbaugh

My heart is broken today.  Rush Limbaugh passed away.  I first saw Rush in 1992 a few months before the presidential election.  I saw this guy on TV talking about things I believed.  He was funny, intelligent, and entertaining.  It was Rush Limbaugh on his TV show.  Later I found Rush on 1010 WCSI radio.  Finally I was hearing a voice that put into words my political beliefs.  I discovered that I wasn't just a Republican, but a Conservative.  Rush had the biggest influence in my political thinking.  My politics today were shaped by his radio show, TV show, books, and newsletter.  

Fans of the show were known as Dittoheads.  When someone would call in, instead of saying how much they loved the show and wasting valuable air time they would just say Ditto.  Ditto means "love your show Rush."  My wife and I loved his show so much that we named our first dog Ditto.   

The greatest lesson Rush taught me was through one of his signature sayings, “With Talent on Loan from God.”  Some people have tried to say that he thought he was God, but that was not true.  This is what he says about that, “I believe I am what I am because of the grace of God and that my time on earth, as is everyone’s is temporary.  We are all on loan from God, you see.” 

Thank you Rush.

Anime Advise on How to be a Man

So I've recently gotten into watching Anime.  I find it very diverse with creative storytelling, intense action, and fun comedy.  Recently watching a show the main male character was telling a young male character what it means to be a man.  Funny enough I agreed with his 3 rules.

1.  A man always protects women.  Now I know this might sound a little sexist, but first understand that in this Anime the women were as powerful or even more than the men.  They didn't need a man to fight for them.  But the point is that a real man will always defend women and give his life for them.  And this is how all men should think.  A real man will always defend a women from physical harm, but also mental and emotional harm.  They will defend a woman's dignity and honor.  They will never do anything to hurt, disrespect, or diminish any woman. And this would also include standing behind strong women and supporting them.   My mom taught me that as a man, I should always protect and defend women and be respectful.

2.  A man stands tall with their head up.  This is important because too many men live small  lives and in fear.  They are afraid of being labeled as having toxic masculinity.  But being a man who is confident, bold, and lives with integrity isn't toxic masculinity.  It is good masculinity and what we need today.  

3.  A man never gives up.  Real men don't give up. They fight though pain, through failure, and when the chips are down they don't give up.  Life isn't defined by our success, but how we fight back during failure.  It is about the hits we take, but keep fighting and moving forward.   Men shouldn't give up.   They shouldn't give up fighting for freedom, the rights of others, and their own rights.  They should never give up defending the weak and stopping evil.  No matter what don't ever give up.

What Does Independence Day Mean To Me

On the 4th of July my brother asked me, "What does Independence Day mean to me?" This was my answer.  "Honestly now is not the time to ask me.  Based on what I'm seeing in our country today it just makes me sad.  We wanted independence so we could be free.  But now it seems people want more government and less freedom.  People hate our country more than they love it.  So today I'm just sad, because I'm not sure how many Independent Day celebrations are left."  

When driving home from work I decided to listen to a playlist of Patriotic songs.  I put the playlist on random and this is what I heard and what it meant to me.  

First was "God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood.  So it speaks to me right of the bat...

If tomorrow all the things were gone 

I worked for all my life
And I had to start again
With just my children and my wife

I thank my lucky stars
To be living here today
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom
And they can't take that away

And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free

Nothing is guaranteed to us, but as long I live in America and it still stands for freedom I know I can overcome any hardship. 

The next song was "America" by Neil Diamond.   The verse that resonated to me was this...

Everywhere around the world
They're coming to America
Every time that flag's unfurled
They're coming to America

Got a dream to take them there
They're coming to America
Got a dream they've come to share
They're coming to America

People come from all around the world to live in America.  America is a place to make your dreams come true.  And it reminds me how lucky I am to have been born in America. 

The third song was "Where Were You," by Alan Jackson.   It reminded me of how as a nation we stood united and came together as one after 911.  And this verse stuck out to me...

But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

I believe we are a nation blessed by God.  So I have faith that when times are darkest we will stand together.  I have hope that our nation will continue to strive for a more perfect union.  And I know if we focus more on love we can overcome anything.

The fourth song was "God Bless America," sung by Daniel Rodriguez.   Hearing this verse right off got me...

God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with the light from above

I love this country and I pray God will contine to bless us, guide us, and be a light for us.  Because with God as our light we will never fade away.

The fifth song was "There She Stands," by Michael W. Smith.  This song is about our flag. 

There she flies
Clear blue skies
Reminds us with red
Of those that died
Washed in white
By the brave
In their strength
She stands

The flag reminds me of the blood shed to defend us.  The brave that fought for the idea the our nation.  And the flag is able to stand, because of the American solider.  

The sixth song was "American Solider," by Toby Keith.  Here I was reminded of why we can have freedom. 

Oh, and I don't want to die for you
But if dyin's asked of me
I'll bear that cross with honor
'Cause freedom don't come free

In general what I like about this song is that it reminds me that the American Solider isn't a superhero, but just a regular person like my brother, my father, my uncle, my cousin, and my friends.  And we are all lucky for their service.

The seventh song was "Red, White, and Blue," by Lynyrd Skynyrd.  And it reminds me we are really all the same and just want to live life free and in peace.

My hair's turning white,
My neck's always been red,
My collar's still blue,
We've always been here
Just trying to sing the truth to you.
Yes you could say
We've always been,
Red, White, and Blue

My hair isn't white yet, but everyday is a day I get older.  I might not be a redneck, but I still consider myself a red blooded American.  And while most would think I'm while collar, I still get my hands dirty at work cleaning toilets, putting out stocks of merchandise, making donuts late at night. and just doing whatever needs to be done to get the job done.  That is the American way.

The eighth and final song was our "National Anthem," song by Whitney Houston at Super Bowl XXV.  And even though I was driving my heart was standing when I heard...

O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Rules for Social Media Articles

Rules for Articles on Social Media:

1.  You can like, love, hate, or any emotion you want for any headline without reading the actual article. 

2.  If you want to comment, then you should read the article and not just the headline.

3.  If you want to share an article, then you should read the article first.  Then look to see who wrote the article.   Was it a real news source or a fake news source?  If unsure of the news source, then take a minute to verify the source or DON'T SHARE THE ARTICLE. 

Don't be part of the problem of spreading fake news.

Get Up You SOB

So the least liked Rocky movies is #5.  This is the one where he gets into a street fight.  While 5 is the weakest every Rocky movie has something of value.  The best thing to come from Rocky V was Mickey saying to Rocky..."Get up you son of a bitch, because Mickey loves you."  I've actually used this on days when I was in pain or didn't think I could make it. When I was sore after a football game or maybe struggling at school, I would say to myself..."Get up you SOB, because mom and dad loves you." After I got married and I'm working long hours and I'm really tired I say, "Get up you son of a bitch, because Jenny loves you.  Some times when my faith has being tested and I feel satan is attacking me I say, "Get up you SOB, because God loves you.   I know it might sound kind of dumb, but it some times gives me the kick to get going.  It gives me the inspiration to "keep moving forward."  "To keep taking the hits."  To quote another Rocky movie. 

Thank You for Supporting My Mom

On Friday, Nov. 15, 2019, we buried my mom Joann Baker.  For the past 4 months we having been dealing with mom's deteriorating health due to brain cancer.  During these past 4 months there has been many people to help us and I would like to thank those people.  Linde Johns Baker for all the times you stayed with mom so Jenny and I could go to work.  Thank you for helping to take care of your mom and visiting my mom with Dominick in the hospital and nursing home.  Thank you Keith Baker, Greta Baker, Teresa Ray, and D.s. Rooks for coming to stay with mom, so I could go to work or let Jenny go run errands. And for the food you made us.  Thank you to John M. Sichting and Ron Bridgewater for coming to see and pray for my mom.  And thank you for the wonderful job you both did at her memorial service.  Thank you Jack Stieringer and Mary Grace Stieringer for making the trip from Buffalo a few weeks after your wedding to see MaBaker and thank you Jack for being a pallbearer. Thank you Theresa Baldwin for coming to see mom and to David Baldwin for being a pallbearer.   Thank you to all her pallbearers Don Walker, Benjamin Rooks, Rikki D. Jr. Johnson, and Jaysen Ray.  Thank you to my cousin Reba Richards, my uncle Eris Dunbar, my aunt Lonas Richards, and my uncle Gary Dunbar, and my cousin Ernie Wells for visiting my mom at home, in the hospital, and at the nursing home. Thank to my mother-in-law Sue Johns for being a friend to mom and listening to me when I would get stressed out.  Thank you to my boss at DXL Cathy Jenner for being flexible with my schedule and always being there to listen.  You are more than a boss, you are a good friend.  And thank you for the flowers. Thank you to my staff at DXL Indy for working around my schedule and being so supportive. Thank you to the staff and managers at Donut Central, Norma Mcleod, Coleman McLeod, Danielle McLeod, Marlee Brunni,  Andrew Brunni, and Summer for caring about me and offering so much support.  Thank you for all the prayers from the members of New Hope Christian Church and East Columbus Christian Church. Thank you to the staff of the 7th Floor of Columbus Regional Hospital for taking care of my mom.  Thank you to the team and staff at Brown County Health and Living for taking care of my mom while in your care and helping us get her home.  Thank you to the wonderful team at Our Hospice Of South Central Indiana, especially Tiffany and Alisha who showed my mom so much care and kindness.  We wouldn't have made it without your help.  And with that thank you to all those that made memorial donations to Our Hospice:  Charity Perkinson, Mark Elmerick, Jennifer Dunbar, Dawn McGuffey Dunbar, Mike Engelstad, Michelle Lambert, Jeff Stieringer and Carmen Stieringer, Karen Semon Disney, Gary Dunbar, Debbi Wells, Christopher Geideman, Ernie Wells, Adam Rooks, Scott Mcmaken, Aubrey Sunshine Gioscio, Ray and Dee Rooks, Sharon Baker, Carolyn Greathouse, Barb Pulley, Teresa and Jaysen Ray and Jonita Shull London.  And to Mary Lou Greathouse for her donation to New Hope.  And thank you for those that sent flowers:  my company DXL Big + Tall, my Area VP Ellis Ishee, Keith's company Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Amberly and Cory Simmons, Aunt Patti Baker and Cousin Angie, Cindy and Jeff Hopkins, my Aunt Lois and Uncle Gene Bennett.  And thank you all that came to the visitation and/or funeral.  It was wonderful seeing and feeling the outpouring of love.  I'm sure there are some I missed, but one I could not miss is my wonderful wife Jenny Baker.  Without your love and support I wouldn't have made it.  You were a rock and my strength.   Thank you for loving my mom as your own mother.  Thank you everyone and God Bless you all.

My Mom

Joann Baker is my mom.  She was born as Joann Dunbar and raised on a farm in Russell Springs, Kentucky.  She was a strong young woman that didn’t want to stay on the farm, but travel and live life.  She lived in many places including Virginia Beach and Mobile, Alabama.  In Mobile she started a career in retail at the largest department store in the city.  I guess I got my retail gene from my mom.  Even though she didn’t get her high school diploma, she was determined to be successful.  She rose up to become the lead buyer for the entire store.  Later she moved to Indiana where she worked at Saps Bakery making donuts.  I guess I got my love of making donuts from mom too.  Mom met my dad after she got a new insurance policy.  Their first date was at a bowling alley where my dad brought his son and my future brother Keith.  Mom was sold on dad right of the bat, mostly because she wanted a family and marrying dad gave her a son.  Mom was told by her doctor that she wouldn’t be able to have children, but God had other plans.  Soon after getting married she got pregnant.  At the hospital the doctors asked my brother what he wanted and he said a sister.  My dad said he wanted puppies.  But my mom wanted a son and God granted her a son.

 

While growing up my mom worked at Hallmark for many years and later in life she worked for my dad as a receptionist at his Allstate Insurance office.  But what mom was really know for was caring for kids and others.  My mom was one of the most kind and caring people I ever knew.  Growing up mom was the babysitter to the entire neighborhood.  She took care of every kid in the neighborhood allowing boys to be boys.  We were encouraged to play outside, to pretend, to rough house, and even allowed a few fights.  But she helped us to grow up to be men.  My mom also spent time taking care of a woman with MS for a few years.  She was always the one that helped take care of anyone that was sick or in need.  She was always there to help anyone and always someone her family could count on to be there.  She helped take care of her mother, her sister, brother-in-laws, and my dad at the end of their lives.  At New Hope Christian Church she was the Nursery director for almost 20 years taking care of countless babies.  Later mom became known as MaBaker.  She would babysit my best friend’s son Jack and they began calling her MaBaker.  The name stuck.  When Jenny and I worked at the group home Youth Hope, she was called MaBaker by all of the girls in the home.  She was someone that just showed them love no matter what.  At East Columbus Christian Church mom was also known as MaBaker and not just by the kids, but by the adults too.  And for my nephew Dominick she is also MaBaker.  Like another grandma, but just by another name.  While my mom never got any of her own grandchildren, she was loved by many children like a grandma.

 

From the time my wife Jenny came into my life my mom has loved her.  She wasn’t just her mother-in-law, but she was also her mom.  They had a special relationship.  What made my mom’s relationship special with Jenny is that she always made Jenny feel like the woman of the house.  My mom was never the overbearing mother-in-law.  But instead she was a loving mother.  Mom came to live with Jenny and I after my dad died and loved every moment.  We enjoyed being a family together.  We enjoyed watching our favorite TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Supernatural. Spending holidays together, seeing Adam Sandler movies (she loved him), and going out to dinner.  Having mom live with us had a lot of benefits too.  She loved to clean, so we never had a dirty house or dishes in the sink.  And I had a magic laundry basket.  I put dirty laundry in the basket and a few days later the clothes were cleaned and hung up in the closet.  When I would tell people about that they would say that they couldn't believe I would let my mom do my laundry.  But I’d answer simply, "you try to stop her."  She loved to take care of her family. And when Jenny's mom came to live with us my mom welcomed her with open arms and they soon became good friends.

 

What made my mom really special is what she taught me.  My dad taught me how to be a man, but my mom taught me how to be a Christian man.   As a kid we would spend many Sunday mornings before church at Saps bakery or Kroger talking about God, Jesus, and our faith over donuts.  Those were special times that helped me grow in my faith.  My mom had a faith that was unwavering.  I would say that mom had a direct line to God.  If I really needed prayer, she was the one I turned to for prayers.  Her faith was pure and strong.  She believed in God’s power in her life.  I remember her moving a couch alone down two flights of stairs.  When we asked her how she did it she said, "I just said to Jesus, 'Okay Jesus help me' and he did."  That was her faith. 

 

My mom will be fondly remembered by many people as she touched the lives of so many.  Everyone who knew my mom was better for it.  I proudly call myself a moma’s boy.  I am who I am today because of my mom.  Thank you mom for being my mom. 

Being A Parent Isn't A Job

Watching the movie Mom's Night Out at the end of the movie the husband tells the wife/mom that her job is important.  I agree that being a wife/mom is important and so is being a husband/dad.  What I didn't like is this idea of being a mom is a job.  My wife and I couldn't have kids, but wouldn't being a mom or dad be a lifestyle. 

Isn't this one of the problems with parents today is that they look at being a parent as a job.  If I don't like my job I can quit and get a new job.  You can't just quit being a parent and get new kids. 

Also I get confused by people that spend more time complaining about their kids and families, than talking about how wonderful they are.  We see it all the time in TV and movies where being a parent is just a disaster.  I even hear it from people I know.

Fact is a person doesn't have to get married.  They don't have to have kids.  Those are choices on how someone lives their life.  I guess my point is that being a parent is not a job, but it's more and should be a source of joy.  All I know is my mom never acted like being my mom was a job, but a blessing.  

I understand I'm not a parent, so maybe I just don't understand.  But as someone looking on the outside can I say be thankful for your kids.  They are a blessing and not everyone gets to enjoy that blessing.

You're 18, So Grow Up

There is an 18 year old girl in New Jersey that is suing her parents, because her parents kicked her out and are now not going to pay for her college.  The girl didn't want to follow her parents rules for things like a curfew.  The court ruled that the parents don't have to pay child support or her college.

I had watched enough Judge Judy to know that many parents have sued their kids when they have loaned them money and many kids have sued their parents for money they have loaned and won.  I could've seen her winning if only because if the parents said they would pay for her college and they didn't set any rules to getting the money they may have entered into a verbal contract and would be required to pay her college.

When I went to college I asked my dad how much he was going to give me each year.  He said $4000, which was enough at that time to go to IUPUC.  If I wanted to go anywhere else it was up to me to come up with the rest.  I found the money to be able to go to Milligan College.  Of course that is where I met Jenny and we decided to get married.  But when I did dad cut off the college fund.  We never made any agreement that I wouldn't get married to keep getting the college fund.  But when I choose to get married I knew our agreement on my college fund had ended.  The reason was that it was implied in our agreement that for him to help pay for my college I would have to live by his rules.  If I choose to live by my own rules, then I was on my own. 

Kids who want their parents to pay their way through college should have to live by their parents rules.  This should have been on Judge Judy.  But if you are 18 it is time to grow up.

Marry Your Best Friend

I have a very happy marriage and my advise to most young people is to find someone you are friends with or better yet best friends.  Having common goals, intersest, faith, politics, hobbies, and likes makes all the difference.  My wife is my best friend and as she likes to say my favorite person.  While opposites my attract, it is the ones with the most common interests that stay together.  When you watch a sitcom and the couple seem to have nothing in common that is not a recipe for a successful marriage.   Marriage should be about two people that enjoy each other.   Life is hard, marriage should make it easier.  

Indiana Unhappy?

There was a study that said Indiana was one of the 3 most unhappy states to live.  But it seems the researchers focused mostly on if people were overweight, had a bachelor's degree, and their income compared to the nation.

So if you are fat and don't have a bachelor's degree that makes you unhappy?  Well I'm fat, I don't have a bachelor's degree, but my household income is more than the national average.  But sometimes it hasn't been too.

But what about the cost of living beings a lot less.  And why nothing on how long people have been married?  I've been married over 21 wonderful years.  Here is an idea.  Don't listen to studies that tell you if you are happy or not.  Just live your life with joy.  I know I do.  My point is that you find happiness in more than health, education, and money. 

My wife suffers from terrible chronic pain and has been fighting it for the last 6 years. She had to give up her chance to ever have children because of it.  She had to give up her career because of it.  She has just recently gotten it under control and has gone back to work part-time.  She had days that were dark, painful, unhappy, and sad, but she still found joy.  She found joy in our marriage, our nephew that we love like a son, our families, friends, and God.  Happiness is what you make of it.

Life is Hard, Marriage Shouldn't Be

Life is hard, but marriage shouldn't be hard.  Marriage should make life easier.  Marriage is hard when you stop putting your spouse before yourself.  Being in love isn't the same as loving someone.  Being in love is just an emotion and emotions come and go.  Loving someone is an action that must be repeated everyday and is a decision that is made.  

My wife and I are best friends.  We enjoy many of the same things like football, movies, TV shows, travel, restaurants, politics, and faith to name just a few.   Marry someone that is your best friend.  Common interests and passions are so important.  TV and movies like to make it seem like couples never have anything in common.  But the best couples have a lot in common.  I enjoy my time with my wife.  She is my lover, my teammate, my cheerleader, and my best friend.

Life is hard, marriage makes it easy.

True Diversity

True diversity is not determined by the color of your skin, your gender, or your sexual orientation.  True diversity is the story of you.  Everyone has a story to tell.  We are all created unique.  True diversity comes when we see people for who they are and not what they are.