In the Rough - The Blog of Joel McDonald Jr.

Today I put air in my tires and filled my tank with gas…$31. While watching the numbers on the price get higher and higher, I couldn’t help but to think that something really needs to be done about gas prices. I mean, geesh, we go an take over and oil rish country, we spend millions of dollars and lose over 1500 troops doing it. At the very least we, the American people, should gain something at the pumps. I used to get upset when people said that we were only over there for the oil…now I somewhat wish that we were. Then, perhaps, we could put a tangible purpose to the chaos we’ve entered into. (Hope no one if offended…just me ranting).

I went cell phone shopping today. My intention was not to buy. I stopped by the Sprint store, where they showed me their cool GPS enabled phones. I saw the tv ads for Verizon, and their GPS RAZR. I thought that I wanted something like it. My next stop was the T-Mobile store. They didn’t have the GPS phones, but they did help me discover that I would be paying around $75 a month for the GPS type phones, with navigation service. I didn’t like the idea of that, so we discussed other options. I knew I wanted a Smart phone that has some of the features of the PDA, but I wanted more phone than PDA. Their solution, the SDA. This phone has Windows 5.0 on it, and can synch with my contacts and schedule on my computer. I can also get a GPS reciever, and software for the phone, to have the GPS power while traveling, without the monthly charge, and for less than a unit from Garmin or the like. I was somewhat interested, but not sold on the idea. Remember, I wasn’t looking to buy…I was just shopping around. Then, all of a sudden, the Sales Rep says, “I can give you a sweet deal on the SDA”. The maked value of the phone was $380, and something like $150 after the rebates. He said he’d give me the phone free, that I could try it and the service out for 14 days, and if I didn’t like it, I could just bring it back. Plus, the rates just got better, going up to 1500 minutes for 39.99. I was sold.

So far, I love it. It’s only been one day, and I haven’t really made any calls (used 11 minutes today). Plus, it seems that there is a wifi hotspot (two actually) that covers my house, which means my phone can browse the web for free…which is sweet. I was actually checking my gmail (which by the way adapts automatically for cell phone viewing) while trying to update something on my PC.

I think T-Mobile and I are going to get along. Their service seems really good…I got crystal clear calls today. No long distance charges, no roaming anywhere I go. Plus, I can change my plans and options at anytime just by going to their website. If I decide I need less minutes, I can downgrade. If I decide that instead of 1500 minutes a month, I can make due with 600 minutes with free nights and weekends…I can do it. Both plans are the same pri e, but you can downgrade in price as well. That’s sweet.

Now I just need a job so I don’t have to worry about paying the bill. Hopefully I’ll have an interview for a Data Support Specialist position at the elementary school next week. I think the position is a good match. There are other positions with the school system that would be a better match, but the qualifications don’t work for me. It’s not fun being overqualified for your qualifications.

Anyway, did some updating for my site…more to come. Trying to put together some next pictures galleries for everyone’s viewing pleasure. Those should be out in the next week or so. Until next time….

Yeah…it’s been a little while since I’ve posted anything. I’ve sat on the update page a couple times, but just haven’t been able to write. I hate it when I feel that there is so much that I should say, but my mind doesn’t allow me to retrieve everything.

My grandmother’s funeral was Tuesday. It was a very nice service. Unfortunantly most of grandma’s family was unable to come, as they too are struggling with their health. Grandma looked so peaceful. I suppose that’s what I focused on is that she left this life peacefully. It seems that she always battled against illnesses that would take her at any moment. I think she won those battles. It is unfortunant that the war to preserve life has an inevitable conclusion. My uncle, who was with her at the time, said that she departed very peacefully.

I spoke at the funeral. I knew it was something I needed to do, perhaps only for myself. It was my small public tribute to my grandmother who listened when no one else would, and contributed greatly to who I am today. I look forward to that giant frog leg festival that I will attend one day (those who were there will understand this).

I struggled with my grandmothers passing. In Colorado I knew that she didn’t have much time. I mourned for her then. When I found out that she had left us, the morning after I returned to Virginia, my heart ached but I didn’t really mourn. This disturbed me for a bit. It wasn’t that I wasn’t grieving, it just wasn’t outward. My attending the funeral, speaking, and shedding some tears helped. The thing is though, I know all that was for me. Funerals are for those left behind. Dad had a song played at the close of the service, “When I Get to Where I’m Going” by Brad Paisley. Here are the lyrics…

When I Get Where I’m GoingWhen I get where I’m going
On the far side of the sky
The first thing that I’m gonna do
Is spread my wings and flyI’m gonna land beside a lion
And run my fingers through his mane
Or I might find out what it’s like
To ride a drop of rain

(Chorus:)
Yeah when I get where I’m going
There’ll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I’ll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah when I get where I’m going
Don’t cry for me down here

I’m gonna walk with my grand daddy
And he’ll match me step for step
And I’ll tell him how I missed him
Every minute since he left
Then I’ll hug his neck

(Chorus)

So much pain and so much darkness
In this world we stumble through
All these questions I can’t answer
So much work to do

But when I get where I’m going
And I see my maker’s face
I’ll stand forever in the light
Of his amazing grace
Yeah when I get where I’m going
There’ll be only happy tears
Hallelujah
I will love and have no fear
When I get where I’m going
Yeah when I get where I’m going

I think it was perfect. I’ve heard that song many times before, but now (obviously) it will always carry a special meaning to me.

As the song would suggest, the next day was another day in our lives and we had to live. When my grandfather passed away, 9 years ago, I shut down. Everything was meaningless to me. My reaction to his death caused me to miss out on so much that, today, I am sure he would have not wanted me to miss. My reaction to the passing of my grandmother has been different. I know that she would want me to press forward in life and do the best I can, and to have fun without feeling guilty. The day after her funeral I went swimming for the first time in two years, (and found that water probably isn’t control by evil forces…LDS jest).

I suppose that’s it for now. Got to hit the sack so I’m rested for the Cajun Festival tomorrow.

Hello All,

Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that I arrived safe and sound in Virginia Beach. It’s so good to be home. I arrived yesterday afternoon. We were going to grill out for a family dinner, but it was raining (thanks to a tropical depression). We lost power for a while. The electric company had to home out a repair some sort of damage. Fun. It was/is so wonderful to be with family again.

I’m sorry to report that my grandmother passed away this morning. I know that many of you were praying for her. I am told that at the end she was peaceful and without pain. That is comforting. It’s sad that I was so close to being able to visit her again. Funeral arrangements are being made, and I might possibly be traveling to Florida to attend. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers in behalf of my grandmother, the Lord mercifully let her leave us in peace and comfort.

I hope all is well with you and yours.

Hello!!!!

Forgive me, this will be short as I don’t have that much time. The last few days have gone well and quickly. I’m currently living out of a suitcase with Elder Nielson and Elder Mulroney. I was only supposed to be with them a couple days, however I’ve been here since Thursday. I was supposed to go with the Assistants to the President, but that is not going to happen until sometime tomorrow. It’s been fun with these two missionaries. I don’t think I’ve ever played as much cards in my life, and I certainly have not walked as much as I have the last few days for a while. I’ve had a car for all but six months of my mission, so I am not used to walking everywhere. It’s been okay though. Good exercise I suppose.

Played some soccer and volleyball this afternoon. I had a pretty good time. Got a little sun. On the way home, we were rear-ended (we were with missionaries who had a car). It was raining a little and the guy looked away for a moment, then saw we were stopped, locked his brakes and slid right into us. Not fun. I don’t think anyone is going to be too sore from the impact. The car we were in was only two weeks old…an 06 Malibu. The bummer has a rather nasty dent, but other than that it seems to be okay.

I know there is more I want to right, but nothing else seems to be coming to me now. I suppose I will send a final mission update in a few days…this time from Virginia Beach.

I hope things are going well with you. I look forward to talking/seeing/being in more constant contact with you.

God Bless,

- Elder Joel

Leaders and Citizens of the United States of America, I urge you to hear my plea, as it is the plea that echoes from the tombs of our beloved Framers of Our Nation. Their plea rings and resonates within my heart, and within my mind, and calls for me to forward it to you by way of exhortation.

As a nation we have entered upon the eve of a precarious decision regarding what we will officially define as a lawful marriage and union. If this decision included only a simple act, law, or anything of the like, our Noble Architects would rest well. However they do not! The issue has been pushed far beyond the usual bickering between our conservatives and liberals, and is flowing over to our nation’s Sacred Constitution, threatening to defile its very nature by overstepping its purpose, which is to resolve the delicate balance between government and liberties, by attempting to cause it to define the personal relationships of the people that it is meant to protect from such intrusions!

I have faithfully supported the present conservative administration, being a conservative myself. However, I cannot remain silent as I see such an abominable use of our nation’s Constitutional Amendment Process. The Constitution is not a place to wage political morality battles. It is a blatant show of immaturity in the conservative ranks to even suggest such a misuse of our Constitution. It is a disgraceful measure that testifies to the disregard that our so-called conservatives have for what this document represents. Supporters of this action, including our President, should be ashamed of their intentions regarding this issue.

I call on our respectable leaders to defend the integrity of The Constitution of the United States of America. Please do not allow the very Foundation of Our Nation to become a victim of this contemporary, politically motivated, morality war. I exhort you to reject the “Marriage Protection Amendment”.

Sincerely,

Joel A. McDonald Jr.
Virginia Beach, VA