Mothers Day...

First, let me start this off by telling all the moms out there, Happy Mothers Day!
Second,  I have to give a huge shout out to my lovely wife Amy! The mother of my two children. She has one of the biggest hearts out there and does a wonderful job at motherhood!
Third, the two ladies who changed their own lives when Amy came into this world,  Marylee and Lois. Without those two hearts at work, I may have never met her.
Now to the hard part, my very own Mum. She may no longer be with us here on this Earth,  but I really feel she is keeping her eye on " her boys". Mum, I know I was not the best child, and I gave you many sleepless nights, but without you, I myself may not be here. Until the Lord calls me home,  I will love and misd you daily.
And a shout out to the moms out there who tried their best like my own Mum to keep me  from trouble, thanks for all you did!

A born failure...

I have not been here for a long time, in fact, the heading of this one caught my eye as soon as I opened up my blog. I had a title, but nothing to go with it. No words to fill in that huge blank spot at the bottom.

Funny that should be the first thing I see today, that pretty much is how I am feeling. We all have those days. It comes from things that might happen on a regular basis or might be triggered by something said.

Are you born a failure? Some might argue that no we are not, but I  am here to say, we are. See, we're born sinners, every single one of us. That was a let down huh? But by Gods grace, we are saved from that sin, and can move on with life.

Now some of you might be saying to yourself right now, "Tank, why you getting all religious on us for". Simple answer to that for ya... I felt the need to write it out today. Something was pushing my heart to just let it out. So I guess me seeing that unfinished post was meant to be for today.

The funny thing about our Lords great grace is, he gives it, not the folks around you. You see, when he says you are forgiven, its done....now us folks down here, thats a completely different story. I've even said this, "I might forgive, but I'll never forget". Is that the way it's to work? Not at all!

Admit it, Y'all have said it, and better yet, just be honest with yourself to admit it. I for one know I have wronged a few folks in my life, and there has been some that have me. But if we all continue to throw a backlash of reminders at each other, we're not going to move forward very well at all. In fact, we just might fall back a couple steps until we realize that we are beyond the point the wrong started.

Life has a real funny way of taking one small mess and turning it into something that looks like the storm of the century hit. The world we live in today is a huge "born failure" mess, the bright side of it, we can change it.

I guess all I  am trying to say is, if you are going to forgive, then forget. If its something that you can not move on from, do not say it.

Big Man Out
Tank

Lifes little lessons...

So many times I have stood tall and firm on things I have said. I have proven over and over that if you want to push an issue with me, I will shove twice as hard back.
My life has been a roller coaster ride, many ups, downs, twists, and wicked turns. I almost let drugs and alcohol ruin what I am today. I remember my son asking me where my friend were from high school, and the look on his face when I showed him. First I drove past the county jail and pointed. Right there sits some of them I told him. We drove for a bit more just talking about some of the stupid stuff I did as a kid, laughing at some of the stupidity. He didnt notice that my truck had come to a stop. I cut him off in mid sentence and said, there a a lot of them there...the graveyard.
He had a confused look on his face, but took it in. I then told him that I was one of the few from the crowd I ran with that did grow up. And that I found out that I didnt need to be like all the others to feel good or fit in.
Today, I look back on my days and wish I had a few of those boys and girls here with me today.... but that would of not taught me some of those lessons.

Blank stones 2...

The other day, I asked Y'all about a blank stone, I guess this here is going to be part two and more in depth.

As most of ya know, I lost both parents. Its now just my two older brothers and myself. I never thought that I would lose my parents a year apart. To this day, it rips me apart.
Through out my life, i watched my Mum go in and out of hospitals. Every time, she beat all the odds and was home in a few days or a week or two. Her last stay was her last...
My brothers and I all felt that in a few days we would have her back at home, and back to a normal life. That was not the case.
My dad found out that he had cancer. This was one of the strongest men in mind that I can think of. Once again, we thought he would beat it, and be with us here today, that man had strength of mind that would cripple most.
Just last week I lost a school mate who was one of the few back then not to look down on me for who or what I was. Some one who I would dearly call friend...
What am I getting at ya ask?
Its simple...
The blank stones... They are no longer Blank.
They now hold the names of those who are going to be missed. Folks who had an impact on my life one way or another.
The next time ya pass a graveyard, take a look at all those stones. Keep in mind that at one time they was all just plain, bare, blank stones. But now...

Big Man Out
Tank  

No more...

No matter what I do, I try to do the best I can at it. I really try to go above all else and out do myself. And that also goes for what I do for others whether its family, friends, work, a neighbor, or even a stranger.

I know as of lately, a few have taken full advantage of me without blinking an eye. I do all I can, and its done without a single simple "thank you".

What should a person do in this case I asked myself, and here is what I came up with. A few of these ya might not agree with, or ya might even try it ya'self...

1. Start doing less, maybe they will take notice

2. Kindly tell them in a sugar coated way

3. Come right out and say No more

4. Pay up time...

A. in either time

B. What it cost ya

5. Start just saying NO

There are a few who I will admit, I am really struggling with this. I feel I am being down right used. And its the folks that ya just have a hard time saying anything to. 

Big Man Out

Tank 

3...2...1...

All I am going to say to Y'all, is that I hope your week went better than what these folks day is about to be!!

Happy Friday Folks

Big Man Out

Tank

"Old Fool"....

I might be only 40, but I can already see the day. 

Amy smacking me with the broom after I say something to the Grandkids, or something to a nosy neighbor. I can almost hear the sass in her tone as she calls me some kind of name like "old fool".

Do Y'all look that far ahead, or is it just me? Can ya see what life holds for ya or are ya stuck on just today?

If ya dont look ahead, i feel that ya might be stuck in the past, or even yourself.

Big Man Out

(The soon to be Old Fool)

Tank 

Blank stone...

What ya are looking at, is nothing but a blank stone. Waiting to have someones name put on it. The ground in front of it is still untouched, the grass is still green.

But, what if that stone had my name on it? Would that matter?

I thank the Lord above that he has been keeping me on the right side of the dirt, and I know I do not do it enough. With some of the things I have put myself through, I know that I should have been planted a long time ago.

But my question to Y'all out there is this, if the posts, pics, and Friday funnies stopped, would ya even notice. And I am not just talking about myself here. I am talking about anyone that ya might read or look at on social media?

I have posted before about how folks are only out for themselves anymore, and I find that hurtfully sad. Maybe I care about folks too much, or maybe I know deep down in my heart that folks still need one another. Dont forget about each other....

The day may come, when were the name on that stone...

Big Man Out

Tank

Happy Birthday Dad....

My nephew made this pic of my Dad and his tattoo. Its kinds funny to sit here and look back at when I was a child, and think of the hours I spent looking at the same tattoo his grandson started at for hours.

My Dad and I did not have the best relationship to say the least, in fact we didn't speak for over five years. But we made amends in his last year.

Not a day goes by that something reminds me of him.

Dad, I am happy for the time we had together, and I just want you to know that I love and miss you. I hope they are having you a Party up there and you are showing them all how to dance. 

Happy Birthday Dad, until we meet again

Big Man Out

Tank 

peace...

There is some thing about snow that just makes winter better...

besides over time.

The farm you see, I pass every day going to and from work. For some reason, I had to stop this morning to take in the peace of it all.The gent that runs this farm seems to do nothing but work. From spring to winter, he seems to be non stop. 

In fact, he is still taking down corn...in all that snow!

Just thought I would share it with Y'all

Big Man Out

Tank

Cheese...

Have a happy Friday folks...

I hope y"all have a great day, and a great weekend...

Big Man Out
Tank

The first...

And that my friends, is what goes through my head about every other day when I am out at work.

I hold doors open, say yes'sir, no thank you, the whole nine yards... 

But some folks out there dont think that they have to use manners.

One of these days I am going to be holding the door for some snot nosed kid, and they are going to just walk in...I think what I am going to do next. is reach out 

, grab them by the scuff of the neck and pull them right back out the door.

And then, I think I just might keep doing this to the same kid until they get the idea. 

OR

I might just pull them out and hold the door shut!

What is wrong with folks today, really?

Is it so hard to say things like that or to teach your kids too?

Ask my boy, we just went though that, and guess what, they both say things like that.

And just an F.Y.I.

It wouldnt be a first....

Big Man Out

Tank

the softer side ...part two...

Folks think its so funny when they find out how much I love kittens, who dosnt love those little furry things! The little guy Y'all see in the pic was at our work shed last summer for a couple days. Someone had dropped him off and ya can see who tried to steal him.

Why am I telling Y'all this you ask, well, I was asked where part two was to a post a did awhile back...

Here it is

One of the best days I got to spend with this kiddo was for her birthday, and at a place Y'all would think I would avoid

...

A Taylor Swift concert at the home of the squealers, I mean steelers...

I did not want to go, Its not my kind of music at all, it was hot out, in Pittsburgh, and in a stadium  I didnt want to be in. But for her, I went! And it turned out to be one of those days I will never forget. To see my girl sing and dance in her seat with the biggest smile I have ever seen was worth it all!!

Down at O.C. Maryland last summer, I found my real dad...LOL

I knew who ever was in that outfit was blazing hot and just trying to make a few bucks. After Amy took this pic for me, I made sure to make a drop in that bucket you see there, and after that so did a few others. But not only that, but to see the looks of the kids trying to figure out why Santa was with Homer was even better!

Now here is a pair of misfits for ya! 

Everything I do, I do for them. I would sell off all I had to make sure they have what they need. I just hope the day comes that they can tell their kids and grand-kids about me in a proud way. 

Love You two...Do Not ever forget that!

I know I may look like I would eat your first born, but I do have a heart. My love for animals, kids, just life in general is the greatest gift The good Lord above gave me.

I just hope I can pass it on

Big Man Out

Tank

I'm not gonna let 'em...

Well, I've got to run to keep from hidin'

And I'm bound to keep on ridin'

And I've got one more silver dollar

But I'm not gonna let 'em catch me, no

Not gonna let 'em catch the midnight rider

And I don't own the clothes I'm wearing

And the road goes on forever

And I've got one more silver dollar

But I'm not gonna let 'em catch me, no

Not gonna let 'em catch the midnight rider

And I've gone by the point of caring

Some old bed I'll soon be sharing

And I've got one more silver dollar

But I'm not gonna let 'em catch me, no

Not gonna let 'em catch the midnight rider

Big Man Out

Tank

Not a Challenge....

I really do!!

It seems to be everytime I say that any more, folks have to try to show me that yep, they can be!

I may not be the brightest crayon in the box, but I do know when I should try something or say something. The more I am around people, the more I see that the mouth filters have fallen off!

I see and hear things that ya would never been before. And the funny thing is, it comes from folks ya think you should be able to trust. 

Folks I know I am fat, I dont need ya to tell me about a new pill or diet plan...

I know I get mad easy, Ya dont have to tell me about some book that some doc wrote who thinks they know it all

Would ya like it if I told ya how stupid you are and that there is a way to fix it...5 knuckles!

Walking into a room for rather large guys, and saying something about weight loss is like being the only white guy in a room of black folk and using the "N" word, ya just dont do it...

BUT

Some folk just do not have the brain power to not.

Rant done...for today

Big man Out

Tank

To my Amy...

I know how to hold a grudge
I can send a bridge up in smoke
And I can't count the people I've let down, the hearts I've broke
You ain't gotta dig too deep
If you wanna find some dirt on me
I'm learning who you've been
Ain't who you've got to be
It's gonna be an uphill climb
Aww honey I won't lie


I've pinned a lot of demons to the ground
I've got a few old habits left
There's one or two I might need you to help me get
Standin in the rain so long has left me with a little rust
But put some faith in me
And someday you'll see
There's a diamond under all this dust

I ain't no angel
I still got a still few more dances with the devil
I'm cleanin up my act, little by little
I'm getting there
I can finally stand the man in the mirror I see
I ain't as good as I'm gonna get
But I'm better than I used to be

P.S.

Big Man Out
Tank

Free Vs. Cost...

I have done many posts on how we all treat and speak to another. 

When I seen this pic, I knew I had to share it in hopes that if one sees it, it just might help someone think before they speak.

If you know me, then you know how I feel about my freedoms, and my freedom of speech. Ya know that I feel one can say anything they want, its how you say it.

Big Man Out 

Tank 

King(s)

They say one can tell alot of a king by his seat in the castle...

As you can see, mine was taken over... 

Have a great day Y'all

Big Man Out

Tank

Throw me...

Go ahead, Throw me...

I have proved over and over, that if one is brave enough to push me in a corner, or throw me to the wolves, I come back meaner and stronger.

Folks today will do what ever it takes to get ahead in life, including using someone as a stepping stone. 

I AINT NO STEP

Work for what you want

Do it honest

learn

and prove your worth

Big Man Out

Tank

Friends...

I can say that, can Y'all out there say that?

But with that said, Y'all know that even friends fight. Its a part of life that no matter how hard one tries, its gonna happen.

Over money, where ya spend your time, who ya hand out with, what ya eat...Y'all get the idea.

But the thing that gets me, in this day of age, people think that one just simply throws things away, even a marriage.

In the almost 18 years that Amy and I have been together, we have seen our fair share of ups and downs, and slips and slides. I even left once before I went totally ballistic.

BUT...

Here we are, Together.

Whats the secret ya ask...

First, allow God in your life

Second, if it aint trashed, fix it!

And I am here to tell ya, ours was darn near trashed!

With the Great grace of God, and the willingness of her and I, we worked through it all, and still do to this day. Dont get me wrong, there are days she still wants to tie me to a post and let the crows get me, and there are still days I would love to tie her to the front of my plow truck and drive around. But my point is, Y'all have to work at it every day. 

I know that Y'all know that ya is gonna have struggles.So dont give in and dont give up, Marriage is just like life, it is what you make it.

Big Man Out

Tank 

Sounds like me...

I ain't nothin' but a simple man
They call me a redneck I reckon that I am
But there's things going on
That make me mad down to the core.

I have to work like a dog to make ends meet
There's crooked politicians and crime in the street
And I'm madder'n hell and I ain't gonna take it no more.

We tell our kids to just say no
Then some panty waist judge lets a drug dealer go
Slaps him on the wrist and then he turns him back out on the town.

Now if I had my way with people sellin' dope
I'd take a big tall tree and a short piece of rope
I'd hang 'em up high and let 'em swing 'til the sun goes down



Now I'm the kinda man that'd not harm a mouse
But if I catch somebody breakin in my house
I've got twelve guage shotgun waiting on the other side

So don't go pushing me against my will
I don't want to have to fight you but I dern sure will
So if you don't want trouble then you'd better just pass me on by

As far as I'm concerned there ain't no excuse
For the raping and the killing and the child abuse
And I've got a way to put an end to all that mess

Just take them rascals out in the swamp
Put 'em on their knees and tie 'em to a stump
Let the rattlers and the bugs and the alligators do the rest

You know what's wrong with the world today
People done gone and put their Bible's away
They're living by the law of the jungle not the law of the land
The Good Book says it so I know it's the truth
An eye for and eye and a tooth for a tooth
You better watch where you go and remember where you been
That's the way I see it I'm a Simple Man

Thank You Charlie...

Big Man Out

Tank

Jump...

In my mind, I can see a high bridge over a small stream of water. Standing atop of the rail is someone who is about to jump. Y'all can see them thinking and just do it. 

JUMP

What happens next is what happens everyday...

1. safe landing

or

2. break their neck

There was no safety net, so who out there can tell me what I am talking about?

Anyone?

I call this

Jumping to conclusion.

Some times when folks do it, without thinking, it works out for them. They have a cooling sense when they hit that water, and a safe landing. A gut feeling, if ya will. The out come is just what they thought, and it went their way, the way they thought it would

BUT

The next time they JUMP, lets just say the outcome is not too great. They was wrong, the gut feeling was just a bad fart that just cost them more in Obamacare than they thought. The stream of water that they thought was deep enough was just a trickle.

We all do it at some point in our lives, we JUMP. 

The older I get, the more I see its time to think before doing so...

Just saying

Big Man Out

Tank

P.S.

Did ya still want to read it with a pic....?

Free help...

See that there mess, is that what ya feel like everyday?

Monday through Friday, work Work WORK...

Well folks, today is Sunday, a great day to start a new.

Dont get me wrong, that mess will be waiting come Monday, but I have a whole new sense of the mess of life. 

I gave my troubles to the Lord, and it has helped more than ya will ever know.I am not going to preach to ya today, I am no preacher man, but what I am going to tell ya is that in life, your not alone.

So, its Sunday...Go find a Church and have a sit down, or better yet, come along with me...

Big Man Out

Tank 

I have and I will...

It took my wife Amy over 16 years to pound that into my thick skull.

And ya know what, it is that simple.

Its a new year out there folks, take that first step and see where it leads you! My first step was to loose weight, and guess what, I did!! Now I am on my second step. This one is a bit scarier to me, but I know with the help from the Good Lord above, that step too I am going to succeed. And lets not forget Amy, without her, I know this step would not be possible.

With nights of talking to her, I know my next one is going to take off. I even went as far as to talk to my sone to get his input. For a young man, his words of encouragement warmed me.

I was never one to ask for help with anything, but over the years I am finding out just how stupid I was for trying to do it all myself. Folks, what I am trying to tell ya, is to reach out if ya need help...

There are folks willing to do so

Big Man Out

Tank 

the Love fart...

Back to Funny Friday..

I hope the week was good to Y'all and the next is even better

Big Man Out

Tank

To America...

When king Leonidas the first spoke those words, he was talking about weapons. Today, myself with many others hold on to that phrase dearly. 

Not only am I speaking my guns, I am talking my freedoms. 

I am outspoken, and always will be. Folks, Y'all really need to take stand on what is going on around ya. I know that those so called leaders talk a good talk, but you really have to look at the big pic, look into the future of it all. 

I am not going to sit here and tell ya how you should vote, thats not my job. But I am going to tell ya to get off your butt and go do it if ya dont like whats going on. 

Big Man Out

Tank

what book...

Kinda creepy looking pic, aint it?

But think about it, for those of you who are on facebook all the time, think of all the things you read day in and day out.

Now that is the creepy part. 

I know more about some folks on there that I care too. Its a drama club most of the time. Folks looking for attention, or starting needless drama.

Do not get me wrong, its great if used the way it was intended. I have been able reconnect with friends I have not seen in years... and a few I wish I wouldn't of..

My point of this post is this 

1. If you state that you do not like drama, do not start it on there! I have already begun to delete those who seem to do it all the time. I am now 40, not 14...I dont care

2. Do not add someone or me just to sit back and see what I post, you will be highly disappointed in what Y'all see. 

3.Its facebook Y'all... I dont wanna date, I dont wanna see what is under your shirt, They have other sites for that

4. If you are looking to cheat on your spouse, that is not the place to post it. Folks out there are not stupid and we all can read between the lines

5. Do not cyber bully. If you cant be mean to someones face, why be a chicken chit and do it on here. That just shows how much of a coward you really are

6. If someone post something that ya just dont like, hide it. I find it really childish when its reported due to some gutless fool

7. Its my facebook, ya dont like it, delete it, dont read it, I dont care. Its just like my blog here, my thoughts my words

8. this one here is for the youngings... Keep your damn clothes on. The last thing I want to see is a 11 year old trying to be sexy...your a kid, and your not

Social media can be fun if ya let it.

Big Man Out

Tank

Answer to No one...

Let me tell you a little story 'bout how I was raised
Every day work, every day pray
God, family, friends, yeah everybody sins
A winner never quits, and a quitter never wins
Helps folks in need, don't fall for greed
A jealous man is weak so think before you speak
If you love 'em let 'em know, if you hate let it go
Fast can be fun, but sometimes you need slow
God is all good, the devil is so real
So listen up y'all 'cause this is how I feel



See I'm a flag flyin' bible totin' son of a gun
Yeah I'm hell on the heart just a rebel on the run
Scared don't know it, fear don't feel it
The truth is the light, sometimes you gotta fight
Good beats bad, right beats wrong
I'm a bar room preacher and this is my song
I'm climbing for the top, representin' for the country
I'm the people's champ right out the deer camp
Shotgun toter, republican voter
Hank Junior supporter, let's protect our border
To hell with anyone who don't believe in the USA
'Cause this is what I say


Give me my right to vote
My right to tote the weapon of my choice
Don't censor my voice
Hate me if you want or love me if you can
If the truth is what you want then you found your man
I ain't backin' down, I ain't backin' up
If you think like I think, man crank it on up

I won't back up, I don't back down
I've been raised up to stand my ground
Take my job but not my guns
Tax my check till I ain't got none
Except for the good Lord up above
I answer to no one

Thanks Colt Ford..

Big Mans Thoughts Too

Tank

The power...

Just before the Christmas season, I shared with y'all out there some things that I would love to see more of. Just like always, I ask you to share your thoughts or what you have done.

Its a new year folks, instead of thinking of just yourselves, look around you for the ones who need a helping hand. 

The Good Lord above has blessed me with a caring heart, a heart that rather see others smile and be happy rather than my own. I love to help out. I really love to see a smile from someone that does not know who its from. I do not do things for thank you, or paybacks...I pay it forward.

When I was a young punk, I did something that should of gotten my butt beat, and beat hard. But the gent who caught me at it, let me off. A few months after, I asked him why he did that. His reply was simple...

"It was done for me once, and now I'm paying it forward"

As I spoke to him, he was telling me stories of things he did when he was young, in fact, what I did is what he got caught doing. what was it ya ask... Stealing gas. 

I took two five gallon cans of gas from his truck, and he told me that he watched me the entire time. Gas at the time was about a buck a gallon, and I did that day pay him for it, plus ten more for not kicking my butt. He said thanks, and told me to pay it forward some day as he handed the money back to me. He told me that he thought I must of really needed that gas to be out taking it from his truck. 

That was a lesson that I carry with me everyday. And to this day, if I can pay for a meal that could be walked out on, or help pay for something I will. 

There is no need that we as humans can not help one another in one way or another.

Make some one out there smile...

Y'all will be glad ya did!

Big Man Out

Tank

Crumpled paper...

There was a time in my life, that I would trust just about everyone I came across. Sad to say, those days are long gone.

If I dont know ya, I dont trust ya!

Trust is something that over the years, I have found really has to be earned. One can not simply hand it out like candy. And its something that I feel we all should work on a bit more. 

I try to teach my kids that if you want it, earn it. And that goes with everything in life. From money, things they may want, but most of all ...Trust!

How true is that?

Very , if ya ask me!

If I trust you enough with something I've worked for, and you do something to it, what do ya all think is gonna happen? yep, ya got it...I am not gonna trust ya with it again, until you prove to me that you are trust worthy.

Sad thing is, alot of folks today prove time and time again that they can not be trust with a used fart. I see it more and more these days, folks are out for themselves no matter what. Thats half the problem with politics today. Those we put in office dont care what we think, just what they want...lack of trust for us dont ya think!

Big Man Out

Tank

A family that...

A family that beards together...

no..

wait..

I dont think thats right...

The family that prays together, stays together. That is one of the biggest things that this show has taught me! Folks, no matter what you believe, hold on to each other, the day will come when you will not be able to. Stand with one another and hold true in your heart what family is. Its not aways going to be peaches and cream, but if you stick together in the thick of it all, its even better in the thin of it all!!

Big Man Out

Tank

I Do Not...

How true is that?

The sad thing is, that it happens everyday!

Today, all I am going to say is, if ya dont like it, dont read it.

Turn the channel

Turn the page

Skip the song

Do what ever it is that you have to do, but I do Not hate you for what you say...

Big Man Out

Tank

My freedom....

That right there makes me Happy Happy Happy!

That shows me that Americans have started to wake up a bit! I read on a post that folks like myself need to learn what freedom of speech really is...

Well dipchit...

I can say what I want , how I want , when I want and where I want...Hows that fit ya Jack!!

If you can bash me about my beliefs, likes, or what I do, thats fine...But that means I can come right back at ya! 

First off, lets all agree to disagree. Too many folks out there are saying things  that are truths that are being turned around to be called hate or racebashing. Get over yourself now! 

If Phil did anything, it was show ya all out there just how stupid we have become. Petty things like that making world news and sparking debates...STUPID! Trust me, Obama is loving it, now all eyes are off him for a bit while this is going on. But behind it all, our rights are being taken away in secret. 

The point is folks, its time to take a stand, before you can no longer. As far as folks like myself, i will stand along and fight if I have to, but I dont think I have to worry about that. 

Big Man Out

Tank

2014...

HAPPY 2014!!!!

 I hope the new year Y'all find what it is that ya might be looking for, and that the goals that ya have made work out for ya!

My goals for this year include

1. learning more or Gods word

2. To continue loosing more weight

3. To bring my family closer

4. Spend less time worrying

5. Helping more folks out this year

6. Getting ahead on a few things

7. Letting go of the past

8. Finishing a few started things

9. Meeting new folks

10. Putting a few things in their place

What are Y'all gonna do, I wanna hear!!!

Big Man Out

Tank