I haven't updated in awhile. I have been primarily focusing on my wedding which was Oct 8, 2011 and my honeymoon that I just got back from today Oct 17, 2011. What I really want to talk about though is Jan Cline.
Here are links to my former posts regarding Jan in case you need to catch up on what happened.
http://mylifeastom.blogspot.com/2011/08/seriously-salem-oregon.html
http://mylifeastom.blogspot.com/2011/08/update-seriously-salem-oregon.html
http://mylifeastom.blogspot.com/2011/09/seriously-salem-oregon-x2.html
According to her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Help-Jan-Cline-Fight-Cancer/138078242948791?ref=ts Jan passed away on Oct 7, 2011 at 8 am.
Jan was quite the inspiration for many of us. She fought not only for her life, but for the dignity of others in her predicament. In my opinion what the City of Salem, Oregon and Oregon Health did was wrong. Dignity of life should never be about city ordinances that aren't creating a nuisance or losing your health care because caring people want to help you leave this world comfortably.
I am very happy that Jan is now with the Lord, her sickness is healed, and she never again has to feel the way she did selling the last of her possessions for pennies so she didn't have to be a burden to anyone else. My heart truly breaks at the thought of what that woman went through and I'm glad she is at peace now.
God Bless You and Your Family Jan Cline!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Congratulations Devin And Jessica...!!
Hello Random Fans!
Today I want to congratulate Devin Allen and Jessica Corby on their September 17, 2011 wedding. Everyone did an awesome job making the event absolutely amazing. I had the honor of being the Best Man and my fiancé had the honor of being a bridesmaid. So being the best man I had the duty of writing a speech for the toast and despite the fact I got tons of laughs I was extremely nervous and I feel like I bombed it a bit. So below you can read my speech typed up. I hope you like it:
Hello everyone my name is Tom Proctor. I have known Devin for 22 years now and what can I say about a man who has worked his way to the top of his security career, is a journalist for 2 budding websites, and is 3 weeks away from marrying a beautiful girl named Jessica.
(Look perplexed…Fumble with notes)
Oh wait a second….That’s my acceptance speech.
Here we go….
Dearly beloved we are gathered here today…… Wait that’s not it either, sorry Pastor.
Here it is…
In ancient times when the groom chose a bride he would get his best friend and kidnap the bride from her family. During the ceremony it was also his best friends job to defend the groom from the bride’s family should they want her back. This best friend became known as the Best Man and after looking at some of Jessica’s family members I am happy I only had to write a speech today.
Devin and I have been best friends the last 22 years and we’ve done a lot of crazy things… many of them I can’t talk about. What I can talk about is Devin and Jess. I don’t know much about Jess, but when I look at the two of them I see that spark in their eyes when they look at each other. There is a definite bond between them.
My father always told me that when you are together awhile the butterflies fade, but your marriage will lead to a much stronger, deeper, and lasting love. When you forget what you want as an individual and you do what’s best. A love without self. I want you guys to remember my father’s word’s in the years to come.
I want to thank Devin and Jess for allowing me the honor of being their best man and an honor to be in their lives. Finally I want to leave everyone with a quote from Bill Cosby.
I want to die before my wife, and the reason is this: If it is true that when you die, your soul goes up to judgment, I don’t want her up there ahead of time to tell them things.
God Bless You Guys!
So after the speech I totally bombed it and forgot the actual toast part. Thank you so much to Jessica’s sister Sara for saving me on that. I had a lot of fun. Maybe even a little too much. I danced a little too hard and woke up sore the next morning. Anyhow, Congrats you two I wish only the best for you in the coming years.
As Always Thanks For Reading!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
And You Think Im Crazy?!
Hello Random Fans!
People think I have become a bit of an extremist lately calling out people in the Government, T.S.A., etc. I personally believe that I am far from extreme. I honestly believe that good men and women aren't inherently stupid, but give up their rights every day for a false sense of hope and security. Benjamin Franklin said "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
People tell me it's O.K. that the T.S.A. agents grope you because of the what if factor. What if they find a bomb, knife, gun, etc.? It's a FACT that there is an estimated 350 million firearms in the U.S. Doesn't that kind of hit home for you? It is highly possible that on any given day you could walk past several people with firearms on them and have no clue. For instance and no I won’t tell you who, I know of at least 3 people who conceal carry all the time and that's just a small town. Imagine how many people you are around in a large city!
It is also FACT that the T.S.A. allowed a Nigerian man by the name of Olajide Oluwaseun Noibi board a plane at N.Y. and fly to L.A. with a stolen boarding pass and I.D. Mr. Noibi trying to fly again 5 days later was arrested by authorities who found a stolen I.D. and 10 old boarding passes.
Check out the story at: http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/boarding-pass-arrest-nigerian-slipped-jfk-airport-security/story?id=13963831
I think it’s absurd not to think that I could be in danger at any moment. Whether it is from an armed thug, car wreck, or a natural disaster. My life in finite and I don't believe the T.S.A. is protecting me from anything. Especially when they with all their infinite resources and layers upon layers of security can't stop one man with a fake I.D.
Also take into consideration that it takes at least 3 days or 72 hours for disaster relief to reach a disaster zone. Do you think the small town of 5 police officers is coming to your rescue when they have a couple of thousand people to take care of? Several police officers in New Orleans were fired for taking care of their families instead of showing up for work after Hurricane Katrina. Isn't personal security something to be worried about?
Also to my survivalism critics. I live in an area of NE Pennsylvania that was really beat up by flooding this week. I can't find a total dollar amount of damage quite yet, but I assure you it's up there. Reading through messages, videos, and pictures on FaceBook regarding the floods I felt a feeling of loss because my hometown of Tunkhannock was affected. I read of one family who was trapped stealing food and fuel from the neighbors place. I heard of several others who were high and dry, but complaining that their kids couldn't watch cartoons and they couldn't do simple things like make coffee because their power was off. Some even complained that it wouldn't be on for an estimated 3 days.
People think I'm hilarious and out of my mind for attempting to store enough supplies for Jess, our 4 pets, and myself for a minimum of a year. People think I'm nuts for having a garden and talking about learning how to homestead. My question is how is survivalism funny when your furnished basement is filled with 2 feet of mud and another 4 foot of water? Or more powerful of a scenario yet, imagine your house floating down the river. I believe that if you had a generator, fuel, and a few months of food for the whole family, you would be better off than trying to get that last gallon of milk at the grocery store with 1,000 other people?
Several things come into play here:
1. Being prepared is a moral thing to do. If you have food you don't need to steal.
2. Being prepared allows you to help not only your own family, but the community around you.
3. Prepping can lead you to have more money. Ex. buying canned goods now before the costs go up due to inflation. Paying off debt and not paying the interest on credit cards, home loan, car loan, etc.
I want to say that I would never pick on people who are in need. Losing everything isn't something I have experienced in my lifetime, but I can imagine it must be very difficult. I drove around town the last couple of days observing the damage and it's no surprise that these small towns are banding together and already cleaning up the mess. NE PA cleaned up after Agnes in 72 and NE PA is tough enough to do it again.
To finalize this post I want you to try out an idea that I try to live by every day. I want you to try and question everything. We used to do it as children why not now? I think being obnoxious may potentially save your life. It is said that people with illnesses that question their doctors more often have a higher percentage of survival.
I read a thread on a forum the other day that questioned if you would shoot the neighbors child to survive? What would you do to feed your starving kids? When asked this question the result was split down the center. One side saying they would do whatever it takes. The other claiming that morality would guide them. What would you do? Take a minute and answer that question for yourself.
Question your government. For instance I find it absurd that the U.S. government subsidizes the growth of corn. Corn is turned into "corn syrup" or "corn sugar" and is added as artificial sweeteners for just about every product on the market. "Corn syrup" has the potential of making you obese. President Obama would like to tax the products you consume that would make you unhealthy. Ex. cigarettes, soda, candy, etc. Doing so is in direct opposition to the subsidy to begin with. Wouldn't it make more sense to subsidize farmers who grow organically and remove the "corn syrup" from our diets?
Question your job. Not necessarily your boss, but your involvement in a company. What makes you happy? Does money truly make you happy? I know it doesn't make me happy and sometimes neither does my job. What if you can have both? Maybe you are really into skateboarding, but you’re stuck behind a desk everyday between 9-5 at a job you really hate? Maybe today is the day you sit down after work and you put together a business plan for that skate shop you always dreamed of having. So what if you fail. You will only end up back behind a desk again.....Right?
As always Thanks for Reading!
People think I have become a bit of an extremist lately calling out people in the Government, T.S.A., etc. I personally believe that I am far from extreme. I honestly believe that good men and women aren't inherently stupid, but give up their rights every day for a false sense of hope and security. Benjamin Franklin said "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
People tell me it's O.K. that the T.S.A. agents grope you because of the what if factor. What if they find a bomb, knife, gun, etc.? It's a FACT that there is an estimated 350 million firearms in the U.S. Doesn't that kind of hit home for you? It is highly possible that on any given day you could walk past several people with firearms on them and have no clue. For instance and no I won’t tell you who, I know of at least 3 people who conceal carry all the time and that's just a small town. Imagine how many people you are around in a large city!
It is also FACT that the T.S.A. allowed a Nigerian man by the name of Olajide Oluwaseun Noibi board a plane at N.Y. and fly to L.A. with a stolen boarding pass and I.D. Mr. Noibi trying to fly again 5 days later was arrested by authorities who found a stolen I.D. and 10 old boarding passes.
Check out the story at: http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/boarding-pass-arrest-nigerian-slipped-jfk-airport-security/story?id=13963831
I think it’s absurd not to think that I could be in danger at any moment. Whether it is from an armed thug, car wreck, or a natural disaster. My life in finite and I don't believe the T.S.A. is protecting me from anything. Especially when they with all their infinite resources and layers upon layers of security can't stop one man with a fake I.D.
Also take into consideration that it takes at least 3 days or 72 hours for disaster relief to reach a disaster zone. Do you think the small town of 5 police officers is coming to your rescue when they have a couple of thousand people to take care of? Several police officers in New Orleans were fired for taking care of their families instead of showing up for work after Hurricane Katrina. Isn't personal security something to be worried about?
Also to my survivalism critics. I live in an area of NE Pennsylvania that was really beat up by flooding this week. I can't find a total dollar amount of damage quite yet, but I assure you it's up there. Reading through messages, videos, and pictures on FaceBook regarding the floods I felt a feeling of loss because my hometown of Tunkhannock was affected. I read of one family who was trapped stealing food and fuel from the neighbors place. I heard of several others who were high and dry, but complaining that their kids couldn't watch cartoons and they couldn't do simple things like make coffee because their power was off. Some even complained that it wouldn't be on for an estimated 3 days.
People think I'm hilarious and out of my mind for attempting to store enough supplies for Jess, our 4 pets, and myself for a minimum of a year. People think I'm nuts for having a garden and talking about learning how to homestead. My question is how is survivalism funny when your furnished basement is filled with 2 feet of mud and another 4 foot of water? Or more powerful of a scenario yet, imagine your house floating down the river. I believe that if you had a generator, fuel, and a few months of food for the whole family, you would be better off than trying to get that last gallon of milk at the grocery store with 1,000 other people?
Several things come into play here:
1. Being prepared is a moral thing to do. If you have food you don't need to steal.
2. Being prepared allows you to help not only your own family, but the community around you.
3. Prepping can lead you to have more money. Ex. buying canned goods now before the costs go up due to inflation. Paying off debt and not paying the interest on credit cards, home loan, car loan, etc.
I want to say that I would never pick on people who are in need. Losing everything isn't something I have experienced in my lifetime, but I can imagine it must be very difficult. I drove around town the last couple of days observing the damage and it's no surprise that these small towns are banding together and already cleaning up the mess. NE PA cleaned up after Agnes in 72 and NE PA is tough enough to do it again.
To finalize this post I want you to try out an idea that I try to live by every day. I want you to try and question everything. We used to do it as children why not now? I think being obnoxious may potentially save your life. It is said that people with illnesses that question their doctors more often have a higher percentage of survival.
I read a thread on a forum the other day that questioned if you would shoot the neighbors child to survive? What would you do to feed your starving kids? When asked this question the result was split down the center. One side saying they would do whatever it takes. The other claiming that morality would guide them. What would you do? Take a minute and answer that question for yourself.
Question your government. For instance I find it absurd that the U.S. government subsidizes the growth of corn. Corn is turned into "corn syrup" or "corn sugar" and is added as artificial sweeteners for just about every product on the market. "Corn syrup" has the potential of making you obese. President Obama would like to tax the products you consume that would make you unhealthy. Ex. cigarettes, soda, candy, etc. Doing so is in direct opposition to the subsidy to begin with. Wouldn't it make more sense to subsidize farmers who grow organically and remove the "corn syrup" from our diets?
Question your job. Not necessarily your boss, but your involvement in a company. What makes you happy? Does money truly make you happy? I know it doesn't make me happy and sometimes neither does my job. What if you can have both? Maybe you are really into skateboarding, but you’re stuck behind a desk everyday between 9-5 at a job you really hate? Maybe today is the day you sit down after work and you put together a business plan for that skate shop you always dreamed of having. So what if you fail. You will only end up back behind a desk again.....Right?
As always Thanks for Reading!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Seriously Salem, Oregon? x2
Hello Random Fans!
OK this is absolutely ridiculous. According to Jan Cline's fan page on Facebook she took a bad fall and OHC (Oregon Health Care) dropped her health care package due to all of the donations you wonderful people donated. What a load of crap!!!
I'm so fed up with that city, state, and insurance company. God love that woman. I hope when it's my time several people help me pass on with dignity because the pencil pushing knuckleheads in office sure aren't doing anything for anyone. I can only wait until I hear what Jack Spirko says about this. I am all for whatever it is that man has in mind. The first time around it was Donate to Jan. The 2nd time around it was call the city of Salem, Oregon. Mr. Spirko vowed that if this crap kept up there would be something bigger. I assume he will go out of his way to campaign for the next person running against the current Mayor of Salem. If that's the case I'm all in. I will personally donate my own hard earned money to see that woman out of office!
I say this all the time to anyone who wants to hear it. I am not anti-government, but I am anti-stupidity. I mentioned before about front yard gardens, children's lemonade stands being shut down, etc. I want you to watch this video and understand that we collectively have the power to stop this kind of oppressive nonsense. Also this isn't some call to arms type of deal. I just want you guys to know that we don't need to put up with this stuff.
I want everyone reading this to Like Jan's FB page found at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Help-Jan-Cline-Fight-Cancer/138078242948791
Comment and tell this woman how much we are praying for her. Let her know that there are people out there who still care about others. Also in my past few posts there is a link to her donation page. If you feel it in your heart please give a little. A few bucks from several people will go a long way.
As Always Thanks for Reading! (Sorry I haven't been posting I have my other blog, the wedding is only 4 weeks away, and my work schedule has been nuts lately.)
OK this is absolutely ridiculous. According to Jan Cline's fan page on Facebook she took a bad fall and OHC (Oregon Health Care) dropped her health care package due to all of the donations you wonderful people donated. What a load of crap!!!
I'm so fed up with that city, state, and insurance company. God love that woman. I hope when it's my time several people help me pass on with dignity because the pencil pushing knuckleheads in office sure aren't doing anything for anyone. I can only wait until I hear what Jack Spirko says about this. I am all for whatever it is that man has in mind. The first time around it was Donate to Jan. The 2nd time around it was call the city of Salem, Oregon. Mr. Spirko vowed that if this crap kept up there would be something bigger. I assume he will go out of his way to campaign for the next person running against the current Mayor of Salem. If that's the case I'm all in. I will personally donate my own hard earned money to see that woman out of office!
I say this all the time to anyone who wants to hear it. I am not anti-government, but I am anti-stupidity. I mentioned before about front yard gardens, children's lemonade stands being shut down, etc. I want you to watch this video and understand that we collectively have the power to stop this kind of oppressive nonsense. Also this isn't some call to arms type of deal. I just want you guys to know that we don't need to put up with this stuff.
I want everyone reading this to Like Jan's FB page found at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Help-Jan-Cline-Fight-Cancer/138078242948791
Comment and tell this woman how much we are praying for her. Let her know that there are people out there who still care about others. Also in my past few posts there is a link to her donation page. If you feel it in your heart please give a little. A few bucks from several people will go a long way.
As Always Thanks for Reading! (Sorry I haven't been posting I have my other blog, the wedding is only 4 weeks away, and my work schedule has been nuts lately.)
Monday, August 22, 2011
Update: Seriously Salem, Oregon?
This text was taken from http://www.janclinecancerfight.bbnow.org/index.php
8/21/2011 - Am Update
Happy Sunday Everyone! Hope you all are having a great weekend! Here is the Morning Update. I just checked the site and we have collected $33,714 up to this point. It has gone beyond our wildest dreams where this would have gone. We also have a rummage sale being set up for Sept 3, a Car Show on Oct 1 and also have had offers from foundations to help with treatment. We just want to once again say Thank You!!!! Keep spreading the word...
I'm not sure if any of you donated, but I am totally proud of you if you did.
While I'm at it Salem's Mayor is almost taking credit for the help coming in for Jan. However, after watching an interview with Mayor Peterson said that they would give Ms. Cline commercial property space to continue her yard sales. I think that is highly inappropriate and irresponsible. I try not to pick on government officials as individuals. Typically I pick on them as a whole entity, but Mayor Peterson takes the cake. To come out and take credit for something you didn't do is ridiculous. Mayor Peterson has every right to sign Ms. Cline a waiver at least until her term is up. If you think I'm lieng check President Obamas waiver signing track record. I have heard statistics of it being well over 2,500 waivers.
I meant to call Mayor Peterson's office to find out what they are going to do about Ms. Cline's case, but alas being a night guard I fell a sleep when I got home from work this morning. I wanted to tell the person on the other end of the line(Most likely some intern because Mayor Peterson is a coward.) that I believe they haven't done enough. Also stating that I would financially donate to the person running against Mayor Peterson in the next election if they didn't do more for Ms. Cline. I also wanted to mention that I am a blogger and a bunch of my friends are bloggers and that this story will be shared around every web page and social media site we can get our hands on.
People this crap goes far beyond the TSA groper, the policeman shutting down the childs lemonade stand, and the oppression of a city government for a front yard garden. This garbage from Salem, Oregon takes Jan Clines right to pass with dignity away from her. I won't stand for it and neither should you. There is a time and place for every protest and this is one of them that deserves our attention.
People of Salem, Oregon stand behind Jan and don't give Mayor Peterson the funding for her next re-election campaign. In the words of Thoreau "Let your life be a counter friction to stop the machine."
8/21/2011 - Am Update
Happy Sunday Everyone! Hope you all are having a great weekend! Here is the Morning Update. I just checked the site and we have collected $33,714 up to this point. It has gone beyond our wildest dreams where this would have gone. We also have a rummage sale being set up for Sept 3, a Car Show on Oct 1 and also have had offers from foundations to help with treatment. We just want to once again say Thank You!!!! Keep spreading the word...
I'm not sure if any of you donated, but I am totally proud of you if you did.
While I'm at it Salem's Mayor is almost taking credit for the help coming in for Jan. However, after watching an interview with Mayor Peterson said that they would give Ms. Cline commercial property space to continue her yard sales. I think that is highly inappropriate and irresponsible. I try not to pick on government officials as individuals. Typically I pick on them as a whole entity, but Mayor Peterson takes the cake. To come out and take credit for something you didn't do is ridiculous. Mayor Peterson has every right to sign Ms. Cline a waiver at least until her term is up. If you think I'm lieng check President Obamas waiver signing track record. I have heard statistics of it being well over 2,500 waivers.
I meant to call Mayor Peterson's office to find out what they are going to do about Ms. Cline's case, but alas being a night guard I fell a sleep when I got home from work this morning. I wanted to tell the person on the other end of the line(Most likely some intern because Mayor Peterson is a coward.) that I believe they haven't done enough. Also stating that I would financially donate to the person running against Mayor Peterson in the next election if they didn't do more for Ms. Cline. I also wanted to mention that I am a blogger and a bunch of my friends are bloggers and that this story will be shared around every web page and social media site we can get our hands on.
People this crap goes far beyond the TSA groper, the policeman shutting down the childs lemonade stand, and the oppression of a city government for a front yard garden. This garbage from Salem, Oregon takes Jan Clines right to pass with dignity away from her. I won't stand for it and neither should you. There is a time and place for every protest and this is one of them that deserves our attention.
People of Salem, Oregon stand behind Jan and don't give Mayor Peterson the funding for her next re-election campaign. In the words of Thoreau "Let your life be a counter friction to stop the machine."
Friday, August 19, 2011
Seriously Salem, Oregon?
Hello again Random Fans today I want to tell you about a woman by the name of Jan Cline. Jan received news that she is dieing of a non treatable bone cancer. Jan being an independent person has been selling what little she has, in her back yard as a way of paying her medical bills. Some jerk neighbor called the authorities and Jan's yard sale has been since shut down. Apparently Salem's laws only permit a resident from having 3 yard sales a year.
City officials said they would look into the situation and see what they could do. Not here's a special permit were sorry we can't do more. What ever happened to our sense of community? Why is it that this woman can't pass on with dignity? I think not only should people be on the phone calling the city officials of Salem, Oregon, but also find out who this moron neighbor is. These two eentities need to have a bad day and soon.
Here's her story:
Thankfully THERE IS a bit of community out there. Jan's friends have created a webpage to collect donations for her. This website http://www.janclinecancerfight.bbnow.org/index.php is for Jan and will help you donate to her cause if you feel it in your heart. I personally want to thank everyone who have given to Jan so far. If everyone gave this woman just 5 dollars we can send a message not only to her, but to the city of Salem, Oregon that there are still some good people out there who will stand up and support their communities.
As always thanks for reading!
City officials said they would look into the situation and see what they could do. Not here's a special permit were sorry we can't do more. What ever happened to our sense of community? Why is it that this woman can't pass on with dignity? I think not only should people be on the phone calling the city officials of Salem, Oregon, but also find out who this moron neighbor is. These two eentities need to have a bad day and soon.
Here's her story:
Thankfully THERE IS a bit of community out there. Jan's friends have created a webpage to collect donations for her. This website http://www.janclinecancerfight.bbnow.org/index.php is for Jan and will help you donate to her cause if you feel it in your heart. I personally want to thank everyone who have given to Jan so far. If everyone gave this woman just 5 dollars we can send a message not only to her, but to the city of Salem, Oregon that there are still some good people out there who will stand up and support their communities.
As always thanks for reading!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Writing Letters to Inmates
Hello again Random Fans. Today I want to talk about writing letters to inmates. I know this may be a touchy subject for some of you because you have children or spouses that you want to protect, but in Matthew 25:40-46 we learn that.
Matthew: 25:40“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
41“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,
43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
I sat down after looking through pages and pages of inmate penpal profiles at http://www.writeaprisoner.com/ and almost cried. These people who are the least of us need our help. We need to start caring about our fellow man even if he or she is a convict. So why should we write inmates? I really wanted to write how I felt about it, but http://writeaprisoner.com/ has a full page on it. Check out http://www.writeaprisoner.com/why-write-a-prisoner/default.aspx and then come back to read the rest of the post.
Things to remember when writing an inmate also found at http://www.writeaprisoner.com/ . Check out http://www.writeaprisoner.com/point-of-contact.aspx
I personally believe that we may make a change in a few lives. How difficult can it be to get a pen and paper and write to another person who needs us? You would do it for the sick and poor. Why not do it for the inmate? Why not do it for the least of us?
As always Thanks for Reading!
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