"Why should I care?"

Some people in this world lack concern for their fellow man.

Case in point, I smashed my finger today. Right between the top edge of a large steel recycling dumpster, and the heavy kitchen stove that was dropped on it. Very painful.

It happened while I was helping my landlord move some heavy old kitchen appliances from one of my his apartment buildings to the local city recycling center. The refrigerators had a convenient place right alongside a fence, no problems there, but, the old stoves, they had to be hoisted up over the edge of a large truck-sized "scap metal" dumpster and thrown inside. Not an easy task to do by hand mind you.

As expected, the two of us were having trouble lifting those heavy appliances over the edge, so one of the men who worked at the recycling center came over and "offered" to help. It was a much appreciated gesture, but, unfortunately, it didn't match the man making it. He seemed to be in a hurry, overly gruff, and not very concerned with our safety. So much so, that between exasperated commands to the two of us, he let go of the stove and dropped it on the edge of the dumpster where my hand was supporting the appliance. My middle finger was smashed between the two metal objects.

Naturally, it hurt like hell.

I know the dropping part was essentially an accident; it happens from time to time. But what irked me was that this man seemed content to add insult to injury by merely shooting both of us dirty looks, shaking his head, and sauntering off to do something else. No appology. No concern for the possibility of having broken my finger. Just a dirty look and he was gone.

Thankfully, I didn't break anything -- despite my knuckles having taken the brunt of the injury. I was definitely lucky. My middle finger is swollen to nearly twice it's size, though, and turning vibrant shades of black and blue. But no broken bones. And until the swelling goes down, my hand is pretty useless for grabbing anything.

Accidents -- bad things -- happen, often just by chance. You can't predict them. You can't stop them. They just happen. It's a fact of life. What's sad is when you realize just how inconsiderate some people can be as a result. The get so wrapped in their own lives and problems, that they could care less what happens to those around them. Pain. Injury. Inconvenience. "Hey, it happened to them, not me. Why should I care?"

This New Year, I have a little reminder for all of us. Don't fall into that way of thinking. Don't be that gruff inconsiderate recycling worker. Show your concern. Care. Be thoughtful. Go out of your way. If something goes wrong, help fix it. Life is full of thousands of opportunities to care for others. Big. Small. It doesn't matter. Take the initiative. Be responsible. Sometimes the simplest show of kindness for your fellow human being can lead to far greater rewards than can ever be found by looking out for just yourself.

Have a blessed day all! I'm going to go find some more ice. :)

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 8:39 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Quote of the Day"

"There are two ways of spreading light: To be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."
- Edith Wharton

-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:47 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Home For The Holidays!"

Well, I just returned from visiting family up in Minneapolis for the holidays. I went up there by train on the 15th (which, by the way, is THE way to travel!), spent nearly two weeks there, and then returned by Greyhound (yes, the bus, not the dog) earlier today. It was an excellent vacation from the norm, and a true blessing to be in the company of my entire family.

These days, with all of us Baas' spreading out further and further around the country, family gatherings will probably become harder to coordinate. But, we seemed to make it work this year. Ben graduated into the Marines out in California just before Christmas, and was given leave before shipping out to advanced training in January. Becca flew up from her Air Force base in Texas, Joel came back from college elsewhere in Minnesota, and Rachel and I took the train from Southeastern Wisconsin. With both my parents and the youngest sibling, Lydia, still at home, it made for a busy house again. But it also ended up being one of the best Christmas gifts of the season! We may not be so lucky next year.

Most of my time was spent enjoying the company. My brothers and I spent quite a few hours immersing ourselves in their Xboxes (gotta love a good gaming console!). My mom and I did a little exploring (well, ok, shopping, and walking the Skyway in downtown Minneapolis). I took the new light rail to the Mall of America for an afternoon. My dad treated the entire family to film showings of Narnia and King Kong (both exceptional movies by the way!). And, otherwise, I just relaxed. No work. No rehearsals. Lots of free time! The way Christmas should be.

By the time today rolled around, I packed up, reluctantly said my good-byes, and hopped the bus out of Minneapolis. I'm back in Milwaukee now, and it's time to jump right into work, acting, and my generally creative life again. But, I don't mind. I like my work. It's nice, though, to be able to set it aside once in a while and go back to your roots. Afterall, that's what Christmas is all about. Family. Thanksgiving. And the celebration of our Savior's birth. And this year was a personal highlight for all three!

So, with Christmas behind us -- and hopefully just as many joyous memories for all of you this season -- I wish you a blessed New Year, and much success as the door opens on 2006. Stay well, and may your cup runeth over these next few months.

Much love from me here in Milwaukee to all of you! Happy New Year!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:41 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Merry Christmas!"
posted by Jon at 3:32 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Minnesota Bound"

Tomorrow, I'm off to Minnesota for the Holidays. I'll be taking the train up there -- the first time I've traveled by rail since I was a wee lad -- so that should be exciting! I'll probably have limited computer access while I'm visiting too, so my blogging will probably be at a minimum. But, rest assured, when I return, I'll be back to blogging again, and I'll happily entertain you as usual.

So, in the meantime, have a blessed Christmas, go easy on the egg nog, and I'll see you all in two weeks! God Bless!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:57 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Semper Fidelis"

In San Diego earlier this morning, my brother, Ben, officially joined the ranks of the U.S. Marines. He graduated from boot camp, has a little over a week off to celebrate Christmas, and then ships out for his advanced training. Congratulations bro!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 5:16 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Friday Morning Recap"

More snow. 3-4 inches. Shoveled. Time for bed.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:13 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Quote of the Day"

"Oh! the snow, the beautiful snow, Filling the sky and earth below, Over the housetops, over the street, Over the heads of the people you meet. Dancing, Flirting, Skimming along."
- J.W. Watson

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:23 PM  I   I  0 comments

"A New Outfit"

JonBaas.com now has a new color scheme. What do you think?

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:02 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Passing on the Pretend"

Well, I've decided to forgo my two anticipated stage auditions today and yesterday. It's just too dang cold outside for me to consider walking to and from rehearsals on a daily basis (since I don't own a car). That, and I never was all that thrilled to be part of either of these shows to begin with. So, I think I'll just stay inside for the next two or three months -- where it's warm -- and focus my energy on other projects, like my artwork. And I'm quite certain there'll be lots of good stuff coming in that department, so stay tuned!

Come February/March, though, look to see me back on the stage again. There are some shows that really interest me coming up in early 2006. We'll just have to see what happens with those, but for now, I'm going to enjoy my winter break, visit my family up in Minnesota for the Holidays, and do whatever I can to stay warm! (Afterall, I am warm-blooded you know!)

Have a blessed Wednesday all, and until next time,

Your happily blogging actor friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:37 PM  I   I  0 comments

"The Wonderful White Stuff"

Yep. It snowed. This morning I awoke to find the ground covered in at least 2-3 inches of that wonderful white stuff us hearty northerners call snow. Of course, that also meant grabbing the shovel and heading out into the new wonderland and shoveling it all off the sidewalks. Which I did. Happily. Because, afterall, while I do so love the beauty of an undisturbed snowfall, I don't really want anyone to slip and fall on hidden ice. Been there. Done that.

But anyway, painful ice thoughts aside, here's to our first permanent snowfall of the season! May it beautify my front yard for weeks to come, and may it create the resources for countless artworks, snowballs, and excuses for being late!

Have a blessed weekend all, and until next time,

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:21 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Wake up. Gotta wake up."

This happens to me all the time. Now I know why. Not that I'm complaining, but I suppose it does kind of shoot down the theory that I have a cool superpower.

Why We Sometimes Wake Up a Minute Before the Alarm Rings

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:52 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Richest Fictional Characters"

Here's this year's edition of The Forbes Fictional 15. It's a list of the richest fictional characters:

1. Santa Claus
2. Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks
3. Richie Rich
4. Lex Luthor
5. C. Montgomery Burns
6. Scrooge McDuck
7. Jed Clampett
8. Bruce Wayne
9. Thurston Howell III
10. Willy Wonka
11. Arthur Bach
12. Ebenezer Scrooge
13. Lara Croft
14. Cruella De Vil
15. Lucius Malfoy

You have to read the individual profiles in the article. They're priceless!

Have a great day all!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:47 PM  I   I  0 comments

"The Wizards of Winter"

Here's something for Christmas. The most amazing Christmas lights display I have ever seen! EVER! Turn on your speakers and see for yourself!

And for those that are curious, this was found on a message board:

"From someone in Mason, Ohio. These are REAL lights - not animated. The lights are ran from a computer program and it is impressive the time and effort he has put into them to make them work. He only runs it from 6p-10p and the sound is very low outside. He broadcasts over FM so you listen in your car on the radio, that is what you are hearing on the clip. Not offensive to neighbors except for the bright lights for 4hrs."

I even found an audio interview with Carson Williams, the designer.

Enjoy!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:50 PM  I   I  0 comments