Hi folks, it will be David venting, since Lisa is in bed asleep, and she heard all this earlier.
Life has been busy for me lately, mainly in the political stuff. but alas, personal has stepped in, and the paths have met...
The Disney connection is coming, as tonight's meeting was held in District 4, which contains the DLR.
I have stepped up politically due to a colleague falling ill in November. Esther Wallace is the Chairperson of W.A.N.D. (West Anaheim Neighborhood Development Council). I have been a member of the WAND Executive Committee for a couple of years now. Esther celebrated her 92nd Birthday yesterday, alas, it was in a hospital. In December, she left the hospital to a rehab facility (aka Nursing Home). Now, I did that 3 years ago after coming out of my Coma, spent a month in a nursing home that by no means was pleasant, before coming home to start in-home health care. Alas, Esther returned to the Hospital due to Stage 4 cancer. They are in the gathering the family to say goodbye mode, and Esther isn't expected to last the weekend. So well, that hasn't been making my days pleasant, as I had to honor the families wishes and keep my mouth shut until news was my public today. I am not family, so all I can do is pray and stand strong.
And politically, a LOT is happening, paperwork has been filed to Recall the Mayor (won't happen, but will drive voters to the November Ballot to help other causes), affordable housing is in the forefront (at least it looks like SB50 won't get out of the State Senate, thank goodness). But lots of related political issues, and the Angel Stadium issue is just beginning.
So, tonight's meeting was to discuss improvements residents want, with those residents. I was invited to help discuss how they can work with the city to get things done. Well, before and after the meeting, I know I am being set up to step in for Esther and become the new Chairperson. And while I am honored for all the support for others, it isn't a job I was trying to get, but alas, it is one of those, if not me.... So looks like I am moving more into the inner circle.
After the meeting, I needed time with my wonderful wife Lisa to talk things out. And since we were there, went to DtD. Parked in the Simba Lot, had dinner at Earl of Sandwich, showed Lisa where the DVC tower was going to be built and just walked and talked. She felt resigned, said I need more time to take care of things around the house, but understands that this is the path I decided to go down.
Discussed things. Stopped at the DLH lobby and looking at the Disneyland Map from 1966, then I pointed out a few memories of the Hotel from that year. I laughed that I got to go to DL so much as a kid, I looked for things to do outside the park. (There was a great Arcade in the Lagoon). My mind went to other memories, about my first fiancé in the 1980's and our visit to the DL and DLH (we became Sgt. Preston's regulars), of course, didn't say that out loud.
Next was my reporting in the 90's and 2000's, and out of that, meeting Lisa at the Noon Meet at the Hub in 2005, and now 15 years later, a member of S.O.A.R., and been given the trust of the Disneyland Resort by senior Disney Parks officials to help handle millions of their dollars, and how those funds impact the city of Anaheim and its residents, and keeping the economic engine going forward, improving not just TWDC, but the city, all the people associated with that, CM's, residents, employees associated with the resort district, the business people running all the companies that make things work, and of course, all the visitors that come to Anaheim and the region to enjoy themselves.
At a time where Death is knocking on the door of someone I have respected for a long time, and realizing that I am about to step in her shoes. well, it is somewhat humbling.
My Father gave me a lot, including a good strong work ethic, but also an appreciation of enjoying the moment, and since he had so many visitors, the joy of travelling and visiting tourist attractions. Not many kids got the opportunity to visit Disneyland multiple times a month on average as a kid. A place that became one of my happy places, and remains so today. To go from a kid who got to be amazed by the magic, to now one who is a steward of that magic.
It has been a humbling journey, one that could have easily ended three years ago, almost to the day. I was given a second chance, one that hasn't been easy, and one that has me work for every step I take, due to my physical challenges. But, the Angels 5K is in April, Run and Ride 5K is in June during my second honeymoon at Cedar Point. Last year, I was 3,522nd out of 3,522 participants, but I crossed that finish line.
Well, I hope that Finish line is along ways away for my life's journey, and there are a lot of things left to get done.
And I know that one key is to share that knowledge and love with others, to install that in others, especially youth. To make things better, to make a difference.
But to be yourself, be independent, to enjoy freedoms, to understand life isn't free, that it takes hard work, and accept the support of your family and friends.
Anyways, enough of that heart felt crap.... But understand that my head is overwhelmed with stuff.
Pulling into the Simba/Downtown Disney lot, my wife hasn't seen it since the overhaul has been completed, so interesting to see one big lot, no fences splitting it up into guests and CM/DtD employee sections, though still shared.
But this caught my eye...
Looks like a pre-paid option is coming to the Simba Lot. Interesting to note, we left shortly after 10 PM and all the Toll Booths were closed and gates opened automatically. (We had our parking validated, so free for us anyways). But maybe sine the park closed early, TDA decided no need to man them, and save labor...
And of course, when entering DtD just before 9 PM, to see this.
Anyways, thanks for putting up with my vetting. Writing has always been therapeutic for me, especially to let my mind sort things out.
Life is a balancing act, and a good juggler knows how to make sure things equal out, even if they look a lot different.
My Mom just turned 88 last week, I turn 60 next month, and my wonderful wife turns some age March 2nd... My 10th Anniversary was earlier this month.
But then I look at Knott's celebrating its 100th, Cedar Point having its 150th, and well, to think my parents celebrated over 50 years of Marriage, and how my Dad escaped Poland during World War II, became a refugee relocated to Canada, meeting my Mom at the University of Toronto, and getting a job in San Diego in 1955, having me a few years later, etc.....
Milestones, things to celebrate.
Alas, Death is many things, dang, it is tough to deal with, but one wonderful thing is a chance to look back, and celebrate that person's life. You take the good with the bad.
Tuesday night, at the council meeting, one of the speakers talked about Kobe's death and basically asked everyone to stand up and pray and sing his praises. I spoke a few minutes later, discussing things like it isn't Us versus Them, and things that could be done to positively move things forward about a development project, but I added one more thought, I asked the council to close in memory of all 9 lives lost in the tragic incident this weekend, and got an amazing response.
The prior speaker missed something, if Kobe could had said something, I think he would point out that I had my life, with my good and bad, but my daughter lost her life also, so did some of her friends/teammates, and friends of mine. It isn't about any one of us.
Things have been happening this last month, and I kept saying that no one person could replace Esther, that we needed a good team to move forward.
And I said it tonight to my political colleagues, we have to make this a team, I might be willing to help, but I can't do this myself. And trust me, if you want to do a good job, you need help, and be willing to help others.
To wrap this up, I see good and bad at TDA right now, there are some amazing folks that work there, and I am trying to focus on those folks. But they have their issues right now.
So does the city of Anaheim. But then, I look at other cities, and well, I see our problems aren't as bad as many of theirs. And that gives me pause, to look at others mistakes and try and figure out how not to make them ourselves.
I have been blessed with being able to look at things, and get a good read of what is going on.
The path of life is not straight, turns bring on new things, new challenges, new joy, and alas, sorrows.
Make sure and let others know you appreciate them. You can't celebrate someone's life when death comes if you didn't try and make their life better while they were alive.
Have a great day everyone, make sure and live it for all its worth, most of us don't get a second chance!
Life has been busy for me lately, mainly in the political stuff. but alas, personal has stepped in, and the paths have met...
The Disney connection is coming, as tonight's meeting was held in District 4, which contains the DLR.
I have stepped up politically due to a colleague falling ill in November. Esther Wallace is the Chairperson of W.A.N.D. (West Anaheim Neighborhood Development Council). I have been a member of the WAND Executive Committee for a couple of years now. Esther celebrated her 92nd Birthday yesterday, alas, it was in a hospital. In December, she left the hospital to a rehab facility (aka Nursing Home). Now, I did that 3 years ago after coming out of my Coma, spent a month in a nursing home that by no means was pleasant, before coming home to start in-home health care. Alas, Esther returned to the Hospital due to Stage 4 cancer. They are in the gathering the family to say goodbye mode, and Esther isn't expected to last the weekend. So well, that hasn't been making my days pleasant, as I had to honor the families wishes and keep my mouth shut until news was my public today. I am not family, so all I can do is pray and stand strong.
And politically, a LOT is happening, paperwork has been filed to Recall the Mayor (won't happen, but will drive voters to the November Ballot to help other causes), affordable housing is in the forefront (at least it looks like SB50 won't get out of the State Senate, thank goodness). But lots of related political issues, and the Angel Stadium issue is just beginning.
So, tonight's meeting was to discuss improvements residents want, with those residents. I was invited to help discuss how they can work with the city to get things done. Well, before and after the meeting, I know I am being set up to step in for Esther and become the new Chairperson. And while I am honored for all the support for others, it isn't a job I was trying to get, but alas, it is one of those, if not me.... So looks like I am moving more into the inner circle.
After the meeting, I needed time with my wonderful wife Lisa to talk things out. And since we were there, went to DtD. Parked in the Simba Lot, had dinner at Earl of Sandwich, showed Lisa where the DVC tower was going to be built and just walked and talked. She felt resigned, said I need more time to take care of things around the house, but understands that this is the path I decided to go down.
Discussed things. Stopped at the DLH lobby and looking at the Disneyland Map from 1966, then I pointed out a few memories of the Hotel from that year. I laughed that I got to go to DL so much as a kid, I looked for things to do outside the park. (There was a great Arcade in the Lagoon). My mind went to other memories, about my first fiancé in the 1980's and our visit to the DL and DLH (we became Sgt. Preston's regulars), of course, didn't say that out loud.
Next was my reporting in the 90's and 2000's, and out of that, meeting Lisa at the Noon Meet at the Hub in 2005, and now 15 years later, a member of S.O.A.R., and been given the trust of the Disneyland Resort by senior Disney Parks officials to help handle millions of their dollars, and how those funds impact the city of Anaheim and its residents, and keeping the economic engine going forward, improving not just TWDC, but the city, all the people associated with that, CM's, residents, employees associated with the resort district, the business people running all the companies that make things work, and of course, all the visitors that come to Anaheim and the region to enjoy themselves.
At a time where Death is knocking on the door of someone I have respected for a long time, and realizing that I am about to step in her shoes. well, it is somewhat humbling.
My Father gave me a lot, including a good strong work ethic, but also an appreciation of enjoying the moment, and since he had so many visitors, the joy of travelling and visiting tourist attractions. Not many kids got the opportunity to visit Disneyland multiple times a month on average as a kid. A place that became one of my happy places, and remains so today. To go from a kid who got to be amazed by the magic, to now one who is a steward of that magic.
It has been a humbling journey, one that could have easily ended three years ago, almost to the day. I was given a second chance, one that hasn't been easy, and one that has me work for every step I take, due to my physical challenges. But, the Angels 5K is in April, Run and Ride 5K is in June during my second honeymoon at Cedar Point. Last year, I was 3,522nd out of 3,522 participants, but I crossed that finish line.
Well, I hope that Finish line is along ways away for my life's journey, and there are a lot of things left to get done.
And I know that one key is to share that knowledge and love with others, to install that in others, especially youth. To make things better, to make a difference.
But to be yourself, be independent, to enjoy freedoms, to understand life isn't free, that it takes hard work, and accept the support of your family and friends.
Anyways, enough of that heart felt crap.... But understand that my head is overwhelmed with stuff.
Pulling into the Simba/Downtown Disney lot, my wife hasn't seen it since the overhaul has been completed, so interesting to see one big lot, no fences splitting it up into guests and CM/DtD employee sections, though still shared.
But this caught my eye...
Looks like a pre-paid option is coming to the Simba Lot. Interesting to note, we left shortly after 10 PM and all the Toll Booths were closed and gates opened automatically. (We had our parking validated, so free for us anyways). But maybe sine the park closed early, TDA decided no need to man them, and save labor...
And of course, when entering DtD just before 9 PM, to see this.
Anyways, thanks for putting up with my vetting. Writing has always been therapeutic for me, especially to let my mind sort things out.
Life is a balancing act, and a good juggler knows how to make sure things equal out, even if they look a lot different.
My Mom just turned 88 last week, I turn 60 next month, and my wonderful wife turns some age March 2nd... My 10th Anniversary was earlier this month.
But then I look at Knott's celebrating its 100th, Cedar Point having its 150th, and well, to think my parents celebrated over 50 years of Marriage, and how my Dad escaped Poland during World War II, became a refugee relocated to Canada, meeting my Mom at the University of Toronto, and getting a job in San Diego in 1955, having me a few years later, etc.....
Milestones, things to celebrate.
Alas, Death is many things, dang, it is tough to deal with, but one wonderful thing is a chance to look back, and celebrate that person's life. You take the good with the bad.
Tuesday night, at the council meeting, one of the speakers talked about Kobe's death and basically asked everyone to stand up and pray and sing his praises. I spoke a few minutes later, discussing things like it isn't Us versus Them, and things that could be done to positively move things forward about a development project, but I added one more thought, I asked the council to close in memory of all 9 lives lost in the tragic incident this weekend, and got an amazing response.
The prior speaker missed something, if Kobe could had said something, I think he would point out that I had my life, with my good and bad, but my daughter lost her life also, so did some of her friends/teammates, and friends of mine. It isn't about any one of us.
Things have been happening this last month, and I kept saying that no one person could replace Esther, that we needed a good team to move forward.
And I said it tonight to my political colleagues, we have to make this a team, I might be willing to help, but I can't do this myself. And trust me, if you want to do a good job, you need help, and be willing to help others.
To wrap this up, I see good and bad at TDA right now, there are some amazing folks that work there, and I am trying to focus on those folks. But they have their issues right now.
So does the city of Anaheim. But then, I look at other cities, and well, I see our problems aren't as bad as many of theirs. And that gives me pause, to look at others mistakes and try and figure out how not to make them ourselves.
I have been blessed with being able to look at things, and get a good read of what is going on.
The path of life is not straight, turns bring on new things, new challenges, new joy, and alas, sorrows.
Make sure and let others know you appreciate them. You can't celebrate someone's life when death comes if you didn't try and make their life better while they were alive.
Have a great day everyone, make sure and live it for all its worth, most of us don't get a second chance!
