General Meanderings

I titled yesterday's blog "Life Sentence" and today I read an article about an officer with an Oil Company who received a "Life Sentence" for embezzling in Vietnam. Apparently the Vietnamese take stealing large sums of money extremely seriously. Here is the link to the story.

I believe the South Pacific takes their laws very seriously because I remember reading about a woman in Malaysia who was set to get the "Death Penalty" for gambling illegally. Yes, you read that correctly the "DEATH PENALTY" for gambling illegally, now there is a deterrent. In Malaysia ANY gambling is illegal; maybe this is why the Asian Population makes up a very large percentage of the revenues taken in by the Casino Industry in this country. When you are "forbidden" to do something chances are you will rebel and rebel in a big way. Every Tribal Casino on the West Coast wants to have a presence in the Asian Community and for good reason.

Michael Jordan has written a book; "Driven from Within" and he is being interviewed on 60 Minutes this coming Sunday where he (finally) talks about his gambling. Michael Jordan's gambling may have been the worst kept secret in sports but his gambling exploits are legendary in both the casino and the golf course. Mr. Jordan states in the interview he "crossed the line" while gambling but never endangered his family or his career.

You can see how gambling affects anyone even Michael Jordan. No, he didn't lose his career or his family but he was certainly affected by gambling. I loved to watch Michael Jordan play in fact when he was in his prime I was on a hiatus from my gambling and really enjoyed watching what that man could do on a basketball court. He was the most competitive person when playing and probably in all other aspects of his life; he had to win. This desire to win mixed with gambling could be a deadly combination and I am happy to see he didn't lose his career to gambling. But it I do wonder why he experimented with baseball. Was this a suspension from playing basketball due to his gambling; oh so cleverly designed? Some conspiracy theorist may think it was.

My wife and I had a parent teacher conference at my son's pre-school. We are so happy to report my son is doing extremely well. He gets along with all of the children, he is learning his colors and how to write his name. Best of all he listens to his teachers. We received glowing compliments from the teacher and this makes us very proud. He seems more sociable than his older sister and we are not sure if this is a good thing or bad thing. I guess only time will tell. We were worried about our son being a follower because we have noticed this on many occasions. However, his teacher assured us he makes the right decisions when the other children get out of hand and again most importantly he listens to his teachers.

I have two wonderful children and I am so very blessed. I have received a lesson for life and I am so grateful for this lesson. I am learning and continue to learn each and every day. I knew my family was very special before all of this happened but I really didn't know how very special they really are. Yes, it did take a very big "wake up call" to make me understand what I have and I don't intend to take this for granted ever again.