January 29, 2010

Reflections...

Today I begin my 49th trip around the sun.

The previous 48 trips were jam-packed (variously) with unbelievable joy, unutterable tragedy, family deaths, the births of my children, the love of my life, hate (often unwarranted-both from me and to me), adventure in 70 odd countries, learning, traversing every one of the range of human emotions, atheism, spirituality, learning, being poor, being rich, then being poor again, then realising that money has no import whatsoever, disappointments by the score, triumphs by the dozen, and yet more learning.

I am not, however, feeling morose. I tend not to worry too much about the things I can't change. That way lies futility. I was born an optimist. When I slipped out of the womb on that cold, dark January morning in 1962, in the kitchen of a council house in Salford, I thought "Bit nippy, but it's sure to warm up sometime". And it did. Then it got cooler. Then it warmed up again. This happened with amazing regularity. Back in the day, we called this phenomenon "The weather". Nowadays a bunch of thieving retards call it Climate Change and use it as an excuse to further relieve us of our lawfully gotten gains. Just days ago, the wheels came all the way off this particular band-wagon and hopefully, it will now die a natural death. Until they, the scamologists, come up with something new to terrify the unquestioning with. Bring it on, I say. Bloggers will trash whatever it is they dream up. We have form now. We have successes we can point to. Hide whatever shit you want, but it will be uncovered in the fullness of time.

I spent some time today watching that slick bastard Blair, and I have to say, he is good at this. He sounds plausible, the inquiry will agree, and he will skip off back to his multi-million pound job(s). Ho-hum. What else were you expecting?

The blogging community grew by one (to my certain knowledge) last night. I immediately linked to Marcellus because he writes brilliantly. We saw an example right here on Wednesday. I wish him all the best and welcome him to the madness.

The bloggers on the left all deserve my thanks. They are a remarkable bunch of people, and they strive to shine a light on the more murky aspects of our lives, and the freaks who wish to control us to the Nth degree. So, thank you for helping me to see more clearly on many issues. Issues that I may not have previously thought about, or at least, not in the way you do. Between you, you have changed my mind on a number of things. I am better for it.

I may or may not be here to announce my 50th trip around old Sol, you never know, given the risks that I take, (deliberately so), when it will all end. I have packed quite a lot into this first 4.8 decades and if I find myself crossing the River Styx, I will be fairly pleased with what I have seen, and what I have done with my life.

Of course, I would like to die peacefully in my sleep at 96 like my great-grandad, (not screaming, like the passengers in the back of his car. Boom, boom!), but that may not happen. I'll continue to do the only thing I can do-I will take it as it comes, and try to fit in a few more laughs before my last day arrives.

I am pleased to know you all (virtually, at least), and I thank the 25,000 of you that have struggled through my ramblings since April last year. Huge thanks to my regular readers, and commenters. Wthout feedback from you, this blogging lark would be oh so dull.

I want to make 2010 memorable in a host of ways and for a host of reasons.

And I plan to tell you all about it.

CR.

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hope your 49th 'trip' realises all that you may wish for.

Thanks for all your valuable contributions so far and long may they continue.

Apart from that . . .
Let's keep giving the fuckers hell ;-)


wv: peast

Captain Ranty said...

Thanks Grumpy.

I'm just getting warmed up. By the time I get done with them, they will be cursing my name.

CR.

John Pickworth said...

Would you Adam and Eve it? Its my 48th today :-)

Happy Birthday Captain, keep up the good work my friend.

Captain Ranty said...

Many happy returns John!

I believe that 1 million people share the same birthday as us.

Now, you track down half and I'll track down the other half and we can meet for a pint!

CR.

Watching said...

My fifth decade is but 8 months away and I am of similar mind to you. I see the past 4.9 decades as preparation for whatever is to come. I like you am finally waking from a long sleep induced by those who exist to deceive and control.
Your efforts in opening the minds of people you don't know personally are very much appreciated. I for one hope I can congratulate you the day you enter your 8th or 9th decade.

richard said...

happy birthday, Cap!

Katabasis said...

Inspiring post Captain. Keep 'em coming. And best wishes for your birthday.

All of us freedom seeking types have all just started finding eachother. It makes a lot of difference knowing you are no longer alone.

No retreat. No surrender.

Captain Ranty said...

Thank you all for your good wishes.

It is a pleasure to be in the trenches with you.

I believe we are winning, one pair of eyeballs at a time.

CR.

lost said...

Many happy returns Cap'n.

And a virtual toast to many many more.

Very nice post too.

Captain Ranty said...

Thanks Lost!

Haven't seen you in Ranty Barracks for a while.

Where you been? We missed you.

CR.

Anonymous said...

Many happy returns, Captain.

I salute you.

Very best wishes

Captain Ranty said...

Thanks Marcellus.

Pesky Anonymous said...

A beautifully written post.

My absence lately due to being busy, and no reflection on the quality of your blog which goes from strength to strength.

Happy Birthday Captain.

Captain Ranty said...

Thanks Pesky.

Admit it, you ran off with Lost, dincha?

CR.

Harry J said...

Happy Birthday Captain. I see you were born in the year of the tiger the same as me. Apparently this year is a golden tiger. Not sure what that means exactly but I'm sure we'll find out soon enough.

Captain Ranty said...

Thanks Harry.

It could be our year then!

Let's make it so.

CR.

Pesky Anonymous said...

Harry - Excuse me for being a pedant.
The year of the Tiger began on 5th February 1962. The year of the Ox was before that.

Frank Davis said...

Rather belatedly, Happy Birthday.

John Pickworth said...

Tis true... we're Oxes.

Captain Ranty said...

Thanks Frank.

Corrugated Soundbite said...

Oh bollocks. I'm late.

In which case may I be the first to wish you a speedy recovery from your red wine hangover ;-)

Captain Ranty said...

Thanks CS!

Guiness and red wine are NOT a good combination, if anyone ever asks.

My over hang was ginormous.

CR.

Angry Exile said...

Nicely said. Many happy returns to you.

Captain Ranty said...

Thanks AE.

Lost said...

Thanks Cap'n

had some distractions of late.

Unbridled anti establishment thought process will continue asap.

Hope your enjoying your birthday weekend.

[shines boots in preparation for kit inspection]

lost

subrosa said...

Happy birthday toyboy. ;)

Captain Ranty said...

Many thanks Auld Wifey!

Uncle Marvo said...

Happy Birthday sonny.

Ah. I think your blog is wrong though. It was very cold this morning. It's never cold in February ... er, hold on ...

Captain Ranty said...

Fanks Marv!