Happy Thanksgiving In July Yes, That’s Right!

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BoxcarMike on Youtube August 4th,2022

Hey, Y’all!

I am here roasting a turkey in the oven. I have sanitized the kitchen and taking the time to write a little something.

It feels like I am caught up despite oversleeping. I have a couple of deliveries of over-the-counter products coming from my insurance which will help in things normally I would have to budget for or go without.

Life is constantly dealing with these insignificant things which are in the middle of a routine that takes the energy of planning.

You know you must continue in your day by praying and hoping everything turns out well.

The hardest struggle is with self and knowing your attitude must improve to tolerate others. I do want to love other people, but it just seems as much as I can feel unlovable, so do other people.

I know others might even just consider me a grumpy middle-aged man.

In many ways, I still feel like the sixteen-year-old boy trying to figure out the ways of this world and wondering when I got older characteristics, that to me should not be that noticeable to other people and yet, they are noticeable to others anyway.

I am finishing this blog entry from the other day I started on Thursday, July 21st, 2022. It is now Monday, July 25th, 2022.

I was not caught up on my day Thursday, and I was near a melt-down mode trying to finish the turkey and stuffing. The turkey turned out great! The stuffing was a Keto-Gluten-Free recipe, and it turned out great!

I had two different friends over, one on Thursday, who provided the turkey to cook and all the ingredients I needed for the recipes. I had another friend who enjoyed a second supper on Friday, who provided our drinks. I had a wonderful time with both people. My weekend was restful and just unwinding from the week. I wanted everything to go perfect. While everything tasted good the presentation of the turkey-looking appetizing was a major failure.

However, the most important part to me was the safety of the turkey cooked all the way. Also, so no one is sick due to carelessness or unsafe practices in cooking.

On a personal note, each person in their way added to my memory for my dad, on what would have been his birthday.

As for today Monday, it is another day of being ready to keep on the move with a shower, a hot cup of coffee, and my morning phone call.

I look forward to each morning’s phone call with a trusted friend.

I am starting to run behind schedule. I will finish this entry after lunch.

It turns out, that my Thanksgiving lasted only a short term. I became bewildered over insurance issues and medical issues. It has taken about two weeks for me to climb back up from the depression I fell into.

I feel like the ground below may not crumble after all. As of this past Monday, I confronted a problem head-on to get the insurance and medical issues straightened out hopefully in effect for the beginning of September.

I am sorry this took so long to finally get this blog entry posted. Today I did upload a video of my rambling out a message to viewers. Please look at it here https://youtu.be/ioGWCqoUQwI and as always, thank you.

This has been another blog post entry by Boxcar Mike, over and out!

God Bless Y’all Everybody!

The Truths Of Your Shortomings To Get Past Them

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Leadington, Missouri July 19th, 2022

Hey, Y’all!

I am here again today using my life experience along my journey in what it takes to get things done. In my experience, I must call out the truth of my shortcomings to myself, God, and a trusted person.

If I can call out the truth, then it can help me get past whatever it is and do what I need to do for that day. Each day is a new challenge and sometimes repetitiveness happens. Regardless, I must get things done. I cannot have a bunch of half-done things and rest well. I am not sure anyone rests when things are half-done

Like it or not there is a routine in my mind, and I try to put it on paper daily. I check off each item as I complete it. I also have a digital and I have my physical calendar, to look at and mark off each day and the main events with a big X.

Every day feels like a time management process. If I do not have things written or printed out, I end up spinning my wheels, wasting time when I could get it done, and feeling as though I can rest, at the end of the day.

I am picking back up here now, Wednesday Morning. Yesterday was a day unto itself. I had an eye doctor appointment, so I could get my eyes evaluated for new glasses. I am far-sighted and thankfully only a little worse.

Getting back to the subject of calling myself out on my shortcomings. It is important so that I can be okay. This morning I had a conversation with someone about the power of letter writing as well. I thought to myself as we hung up, I need to write a letter to myself and figure out where I am going.

I cannot stay, and not move. I must keep growing and improving on where I want to go and who I want to be.

It is a continuous journey once we decide to let go of the stuff that holds us back from self-betterment and or growing into the person we want. I know I am created for more than I am now.

Thanks for reading!

This has been another blog post entry by Boxcar Mike, over and out!

God Bless Y’all Everybody!

Coffee Time On A Way Too Early Saturday

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Heading Out To Bismarck Lake 2018

Hey, Y’all!

I am still waking up even if I have been up since 5:30 am.

Norman Greenbaum, Red Bone, The Eagles, and me. I love my music.

I have been thinking about changes and what it all means since last evening. You can feel resistance from those around you when you are in the middle of making changes or doing what you need to for self-care.

You must keep moving and keep changing regardless. Someone wise says you wish those people well, pray, and hope the best for them. God love them.

What I do love is the ones from your tribe show up. They remind you that you are on the right path. My friend showed up with a turkey we are going to thaw that baby out and cook it this next week. I am looking forward to that because I am going to bake the turkey with a keto stuffing recipe.

I went searching for a turkey recipe a couple of months ago and did come across it. I do want to be healthier. I am not always willing to put in the work for it, but somehow there is always a way out.

I do not have to entertain anyone else’s insanity today. My excuses for my choices are more than enough to deal with on most days. I must answer for me and me alone.

How we answer for ourselves comes in all forms. There are a lot of days my door is open too much. Believe me, Friday comes, and I want that door closed. I want to keep out as much nonsense as possible.

It looks like a lot of loneliness but not so much anymore. It is freedom. I have learned that if you stop stuff at your door then you only contend with what is inside of you. That is more than enough for me to contend with most days.

Have I mentioned the month is slipping by? This means the year is slipping by as well. I am not even close to all that I had hoped to accomplish this summer. Maybe surviving and stopping the insanity in part is what I was meant to accomplish. There is always more to do. There is always more revealed.

I am stronger emotionally, spiritually, and physically. A week ago, I thought it was about explaining that to others. This week I realize it is more about explaining that to myself. The fact is I still need others.

I cannot do this alone, but there are more things I can do without supervision.

I of course need guidance overall. To me, it is a mixture of many different things. Life is not at all the black and white solid force of nature. Life has a lot of grey areas. There are absolutes and I am still finding my way through both of those.

I am not the person to tell you, you are wrong. Your way may work for you. That does not mean your way works for me, nor my way works for you.

Saturday and Sunday both slipped by, so I am posting now on Monday.

Thanks for reading!

This has been another blog post entry by Boxcar Mike, over and out!

God Bless Y’all Everybody!

3 Statements I Am Sorry I Am Wrong I Apologize

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Park Hills, Missouri 2022.

Hey, Y’all!

I am back at behaviors and responses today! It is a forever battle for me.

I keep working on everything. I juggle all the things set before me my schedule my behavior as an afterthought of acting without thinking. After I say words in not a nice tone, I have that thought of wow! That was harsh!

The people in my corner are the best! Given this world and how selfish people are all wrapped up in themselves not caring where others are or doing anything to put back and replenish what they have taken. I would like to think I am not one of those selfish people.

I have the mindset of realizing I need to ease up and not be ready to chew off the heads of the very people, helping me get through in this life. It makes me think I do not have the right to ask them for forgiveness because it has happened all too often.

To me, and I could be wrong for thinking this, the most valued statements are I am sorry, I am wrong, and I apologize.

Life is hard enough without lashing out among those around us. It does not matter if you are stressed out. What matters is how I treat others and knowing I would want to be treated by others, with more kindness and grace. Especially when people are seeing a problem you do not see.

I have mellowed through the years, but this does not mean I have arrived at any goal. I have more to work on in managing my emotions and in responding to others.

It is my goal to keep working and improving my social interactions with people. It is a priority for me to let others know they have value. Not to get stuff from people, but to grow together and interact. To have the understanding we are imperfect people, in an imperfect world, living in peace and harmony.

There are impressive ideas about handling each other with care. Great posters with sayings and beautiful artwork with rules to live by. Yet if we act and live those things out. That is when they are most beautiful. When the words come to life, that is when it is beautiful, true, and pure.

We relate a lot of things to having a garden, a gas tank, and a cup. A garden takes time to plant and harvest. In between is watering and weeding. A gas tank refers to the energy we spend on what is important to us. The cup refers to in many ways the blessings we receive or the happiness and joy we have inside of ourselves.

Thinking upon all these references to behaviors and treatment people get in response from us, there is always better and more to give to these people.

I do desire to give the people in my corner the best. We will never give people what they deserve, but we can strive toward it.

Thanks for reading!

This has been another blog post entry by Boxcar Mike, over and out!

God Bless Y’all Everybody!

The Adult Has To Play Well With Others

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My Peace Lily Hoping To Get Another

Hey, Y’all!

Sometimes I know exactly what I am going to say in my post before I get it out. I just never know the ending or what it will look like at the end. I am just as surprised as you most of the time. It is like, who knew?

Did any of you all your mama say, “I am surprised at you?”

Mine did, I would respond with, I know me too! Not a good thing to say back. I am just saying.

In the last few posts, they have all been random. This one is no different.

Playing well with others was never a true statement for me. I loved to do my own thing. I still do in fact.

I find out doing my own thing after Friday nights and well even though the week, once I turn my phone off for the night, I have a lot more peace.

I did not even think this weekend through it just happened naturally. I took an extra day of rest. I felt guilty for a second. I then realized I must extend my hours for the next few months because I have a nurse, Nurse B. (Her name starts with B for real), and she is not a morning person.

You roll with punches, I guess. I will be done with my day at 6:30 pm. Fridays I will be finished with the day by 4:00 pm. Of course, that does not apply to my friends. If we have made plans, all the better.

I needed the extra rest today. I am supposed to be at an event online at this very moment and have my phone open. My plans changed. These things happen.

I know that the event is downloadable and will get to it at my earliest convenience. There was also a second event I had to say no to at the same time. I am hoping it will be downloadable or at least a stream online as well later. If not, oh well.

My neighbor friends have been missing me and at some point, I do need to be available for them as well. I do love them and care about them.

It is not just for the nurse I had to extend my hours it is also because I have had to schedule transportation for an eye doctor’s appointment next week. They could call anytime this week to confirm the appointment and confirm the time they are picking me up for the appointment.

I promised one neighbor a cake and I will make that tonight and have that ready for her in the morning.

I have yet to make supper, but I did get extra rest. It is just going to be a light supper, I think.

Here is a clue for someone out there asking, who is going to help me?

No one is coming. I have made a promise to love, care, protect, feed, and do what I must to keep myself at peace and in harmony with my surroundings. No one will do that for me.

The only thing coming is the wolves. I must keep them away from my door at all costs.

As a friend says, stay busy. Never forget where you came from.

Thanks for reading!

This has been another blog post entry by Boxcar Mike, over and out!

God Bless Y’all Everybody!

Preparing Myself By Taking Responsibility For Upcoming Events

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Bismarck, Missouri 2018

Hey, Y’all!

I am back writing again today. Yesterday, I wrote about current affairs in the world and being prepared for a world crisis. Every part of life has to do with being prepared and can help lower the anxiety that arises. It is taking the responsibility for our lives.

I explained yesterday I am on disability. This means I am on a limited income. This means my budget only allows for so much in supplies and to cover my needs. The warning I gave out to watch and be prepared is about learning to live without some luxuries.

Life is hard and there is much we can do to make it a little bit easier by being prepared.

I listen to people on various platforms. I listen to farmers, preppers, homesteaders, pastors, cooks, truckers, few but also some people in politics. I try to tune out of the news as much as possible. However, like most curiosity gets to me. I refuse to watch any daily news on television.

My writing takes different tangents depending upon where I am daily.

I do write a lot on recovery, and spirituality. Since Covid19 there has been a lot of turmoil. I write a lot about where I am with routine and how important it is to me to not go backward in my basic physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. It all boils down to my journey.

Taking the responsibility for my journey which is my life. I do not wait for people to call me out on the things I may fail in. It is more important for me to recognize and take the responsibility for correcting my actions as much as I can.

Swallowing the hard chunks of truth about myself and using the people in my circle to bounce stuff on, and hear their experience, strength, and hope.

I want to keep moving in my journey and not stay stuck. To surround me in more healthy ways and try new and diverse ways. To learn to be more open-minded and not think my ways are the only ways. If no one can tell you anything, chances are you are going to get stuck and stay stuck. This drives me nuts and keeps me depressed and is no longer an option for me.

In my journey, I have learned how to make things easier by organizing and stopping hoarding. Stocking up a pantry of food and supplies is not the same thing as hoarding. When you learn to throw away things and get rid of things that are supposed sentimental.

Learning to clean up after every mess is important. Cleaning as you go stops a lot of catastrophes and messes.

Planning stops a lot of headaches. Planning for me is starting each day with a prayer and meditation. Make my phone calls and have both my physical calendar and my digital calendar. Making my gratitude list and list of things to do each day.

Staying on top of medications is just as important as breathing.

Meal planning takes effort if you have it packaged correctly and taking up less space it makes it a lot easier.

Making and keeping my boundaries has proven to be challenging for me. But it is an important part of not having a short fuse in dealing with others. I find myself more taking breaths and stating my needs at moments. Sometimes it is learning to laugh so you have an extra breath before you sound too serious or demanding.

That is not to say you might not have to keep repeating the same statement in a direct serious tone. These are serious times with plenty of stress.

For others to respect your time, space, boundaries, and things you must respect them first. This I have learned on a summary of all these things I have mentioned. Still, I must keep practicing as well. No one has it all down.

It is continuous learning and practicing. This is me staying busy. It is time for lunch!

Thanks for reading!

This has been another blog post entry by Boxcar Mike, over and out!

God Bless Y’all Everybody!

Making Choices And Keeping The Wolves Away

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Where part of my childhood was left behind.

Victoria, Missouri 2016 (Desoto)

Hey Y’all,

Here we are continuing to move forward with the rising inflation in everything that is affecting us as common people. If you are anything like me trying to live on a slim budget, you are constantly making choices on what you can have and not have.

It comes down to what you eat, cleaning, laundry, and of course the extras in any kind of entertainment or technology to stay current. I am grateful for the help I do have, Though, at times I have wanted to wish away the help, not realizing I could be shooting myself in the foot.

I did the monthly shopping yesterday rather; I had a helper do it with my list. I did a guestimate of prices and was close. I went over the guestimate by $15.00. The remaining balance forces choices for what is available for the rest of the month.

On my social media, I have hinted around to the fact that farmers, preppers, truckers, and even the Chief of The United Nations, have warned of global food shortages are coming. Some people might be calling these alarmists or fear-mongering people.

We are amid the beginning of it especially when things are missing off the store shelves. Stores can make their shelves look full. What happens is, that you start being unable to find the same product you usually buy.

As a country, we have not had it this financially probably since The Great Depression. One of my favorite people says that is exactly what we are soon to be in for another, Great Depression. It is past time to take heed to that.

We had close calls in the first part of Covid19, and yet most of us only had a taste of what was like. Many lost jobs, incomes, homes, and their very lives due to Covid19 and the effects of the disease.

I am on disability and yet healing beyond what I was a year ago, thankfully!

I did not get to start my garden or even collect the things I thought I might do to try to learn water-bath canning. It was a hope and believed I could pull it all together.

I am very eager to learn, but not all the things could I get together. In part, I am learning I am more eager than the actual work of it all is in my ability.

What is in my ability is to stock my fridge, freezer, and pantry. I cook all my meals at home. I do not go out to eat unless a friend has come by to get me to go out. In most cases, I prefer my cooking over any fast food, restaurants, take-out, or delivery. However, I am human like anyone else, and a break from the kitchen is most welcomed.

That said, I have gotten, and I hate most people going into my kitchen because they in most cases are not going to prepare my meal or treat my pots and pans right. I am demanding in my kitchen I want things done a certain way.

When I was ill, I could endure a lot of things. Burned cheeseburgers, and messed-up omelets, were all acceptable. I love a burned cheeseburger.

Here is the real issue. It is stocking up the pantry with spam peanut butter, and canned meats, vegetables, and fruits of any kind. Having sugar, flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla, instant coffee, creamer, tea, water, hygiene stuff toilet paper, and cleaning supplies.

If you think you have enough for one or two months, you do not have enough. Are you going to be able to have all your extras that are must-haves? Nope!

The wolves are coming to the door, and you need to be prepared stocked up, and ready to protect what is yours. Hey, this does not mean stopping helping one another and living in a community.

We just need to be prepared. It is past time, and we are on borrowed time to get it done already! Let us get it done and be prepared.

Thanks for reading!

This has been another blog post entry by Boxcar Mike, over and out!

God Bless Y’all Everybody!

Learning To Be Gentler Towards Myself And Others

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Irondale 2019

Hey, Y’all!

I am doing well on this second day of my reset again. I am in the middle of changing things up and trying to be easy with myself but consistent. I have a determined mind to not allow myself to go backward one day at a time and find the willingness to keep writing.

Monday was Independence Day. I stayed in bed sick all day and all evening.

I do not want to wake up every day ready to scream because things are not going my way or place judgments on people when I have no idea what the full story is for them. In some respects, my writing is to try and deter some people from judging me when it is my judgment against me.

I love what happened to me this morning as I was cooking breakfast and making my coffee. I was praying as well. I usually do a fast prayer and say amen, before I get my sip of coffee and make my daily morning call to a trusted and sweet friend.

My prayer went into thanking God for the things I was grateful for and asking for help throughout the day. I do not want to be that angry person or feel the need for vile language. I do not want to feel like I am refraining all the time either. That is not how I am supposed to be.

When I am out of control of my emotions and words, it is not just slipping. It is an all-out war and here is the thing, in the end, it is a war with self. It is not about people just being stupid. Although, I often say it is and that you cannot cure stupidity.

It is taking those moments that can be stressful remembering to practice patience. People are often patient with me even when I am not showing any sign of grace towards anything or any situation. Again, I am looking at the war with myself.

I have zero tolerance and grace when I consider my actions stupid or thoughtless. I scream and curse at myself. Therefore, in the past, that has been my cop-out if people understood how hard I was on myself they would I was going light on them in comparison. That is still not good for others or me. It is not okay to treat others or myself like garbage.

In Boxcar Mike’s Motivational Board -The very first card says, my friends and I do not hurt each other or ourselves. I try to live by that motivational board but, I fail too. What I learned today in being quieter within and listening to the small voice is that I do not have to rage.

I did a bit of initiative-taking things that require patience, like getting medications set up, making an eye doctor appointment, updating the pharmacy with my insurance, and calling my doctor for refills on the medications I take.

I got through it all without being impatient or raising my voice. It has been a good day. We just need to manage things at a slower pace and steady. Taking the time to realize we can be patient and handle others with genuine care when we do the same for ourselves.

Thanks for reading!

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This has been another blog post entry by Boxcar Mike, over and out!

God Bless Y’all Everybody!

It Has All Been Said And Done Before

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Desoto, Missouri 2016

Hey Y’all,

I have gotten so far behind after losing any routine I had built up. I am just always happy to reconnect. Once I start doing the things that help me do the things I need to, I start becoming more content. The bottom line is if you want the prizes, you must do the work necessary for those prizes.

What are the prizes?

The prizes are in my own life more weight loss, self-betterment, more consistency in life, more energy, a spiritual life that is positive, and a longer fuse. Happiness is the goal! Just even mere contentment with life and in life. It is not hard to do. The key is to stay current and connected.

My priceless moment at the end of a workday is pushing people out my door, at least in my mind!

Some of you might say. “You’re on disability you do not work!” Let me beg to differ. I am on call 8 am-4 pm daily Mon- Friday, and on some weekends! I have professionals in my home Monday through Friday and on some weekends! If I get people out early, it is all the better. However, some days, I am not done until 5:30 pm.

If I could truly do anything I want in these hours, it would not be having people in my home or doing things to fit into others’ plans. So please do not tell me how easy I have it! I admit it is not all manual labor and my work allows me to take shower on the clock.

Heck, there is a benefit for me! I do enjoy my coffee. But it is not watching movies all day. Now in most cases, no one can write me up for having a difficult day. However, some have tried to write me up! It is my pleasant disposition that helps keep some people at bay.

If only they would stay, there. I am half kidding. Naps would be a wonderful thing! I wish I could encourage and even insist on some people taking them. It would stop so much useless information from going inside my head! I could go on about this! No, I really could!

Now my work is about getting me better and in a place of healing physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is taking back the responsibility of caring for myself with some help and a watchful eye.

I have so much more progress to make but I have come a long way in the last year.

Yet, I have back-slid enough to pick up certain pieces and make them work for me. Now, it is back to being engaged and participating in my own life and the recovery of my emotional and physical well-being. Here I am resetting the routine. Once more, doing it again in hopes of it taking this time.

Honesty with God, myself, and others.

Open-mindedness to hear other experiences and what works for them.

Willingness to follow through and not give up.

This is the answer, but it is the action that takes you through a process of twists and turns and constantly changing.

I have complained that my fuse has gotten shorter and that I just will not put up with nonsense. Here is how this goes. No one is going to fix that for me. No one can change me or you, we only have ourselves and God to do that in my belief system.

So, we take the stuff we learn, and we go to work. Just like scrolling on social media, we must ignore the stupid stuff that people try to inflict on our brains and find something positive to say or think about.

We make our world safe sometimes by removing ourselves from the situation and moving on to something else. It is best to function as if we have not heard it at all and ignore it. It is easier said than done. As it is with most simple ways, this is the case

In a conversation, I was having a week or so ago with my mama, she is one of the smartest people I know. We agreed we must pick our battles. Some battles are just not worth it. You must move on.

It was a few days later, that I was practicing the mantra I can do anything for twenty-four hours. I got my test within a couple of hours realizing I cannot reason with a person who lacks reasoning. Again, moved on.

It is refusing to be sucked in by the nonsense.

I get to share this with you as part of my journey.

Thanks for reading!

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This has been another blog post entry by Boxcar Mike, over and out!

God Bless Y’all, Everybody!

What Is My Definition Of Staying Busy

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Photo by Felix Mittermeier on Pexels.com

Hey Y’all

As I have brought up before we all need to keep in mind the fact of rising food costs and gas prices. We need to be mindful. We do not need to become afraid or practice hoarding.

Staying busy in this way is about keeping in mind when others do errands for me, In other words, no wasted trips. Make every trip count. Always plan and make time limits with others. Make sure your plan fits in their plans to not take advantage of others’ generosity or kindness.

I thought I would be able to do even a small garden this year I miscalculated and need to plan for it now, for next year. Had I acted sooner on some things, I would be gardening this year. This just could not happen this year and makes me sad in some ways.

The importance of stocking up on canned goods and non-perishables is paramount to the upcoming months. Throwing in a couple of extra bags of flour and plan to cook to be as healthy as I can afford given each month and sometimes on the day.

I need to keep exercising and walking. I do like my privacy. However, this year is very different in that way, because I am more independent than last year. Last year, I was much more afraid of falling. My health since has improved tremendously.

It is important to consider all things and that does include your physical health, financial budget, and the emotional roller coaster, that can crop up and you take a ride you did not intend to do.

I have taken a few rides in fact in the past few months that have reminded me, that I can be tested. Again, this is still daily life and no dress rehearsals. Thank goodness if I am going down the wrong road I can turn around. I do not have to keep heading to run off the edge of a cliff.

Keeping your areas decluttered is important because so much gets lost in the clutter and can cost you dearly.

It is staying in a routine that can help keep me grounded. It creates a safe place for me to remain productive. However, sticking to a routine has been challenging for me. I get agitated and have a short fuse when not grounded.

Visuals work for me. Keeping a hard copy calendar on the wall and a phone calendar with reminders help me stay on track. It is having the practice of marking off the days of the calendar, in which main events I can see are accomplished that does not keep me wondering if I have forgotten something.

My coffee, meditation, and prayer however short are vital before I speak to anyone.

I take time to shut down the phone daily and put it on the charger. It helps along with screening calls. By shutting off the phone there has been a decrease in my anxiousness. Seriously, unless you are at risk the phone does not need to accompany you to the bathroom.

I am a work in progress and will be until my last breath.

Thanks for reading

This has been another blog post entry by Boxcar Mike, over and out!

God Bless Y’all Everybody!

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