It is a humbling thing to look back 70 years ago and imagine the events that changed the United States of America and the World.  I recently watched Ken Burn’s “The War” and “World War II in HD” and found myself questioning my gumption and intestinal fortitude.  If I was to be faced with such challenges, such extraordinary sacrifice, and such terrifying reality would I stand up and ship out?

As I watched the stories of the brave and committed American’s play across the screen I found my throat tighten and my eyes water at the amazing moments of courage.  I realized that we will probably never see another war such as the Great Wars.  I realized one of the reasons is that we’ve seen the horror of not one but two World Wars’ take so many lives from us.

It is a telling moment in both films that the Japanese were unwilling to surrender after two atomic bombs and the threat of a third.  Only after further pounding of Tokyo herself did The Empire blink.  It is fascinating to look back on the history of those wars and the peoples that played parts in each.  It is amazing to see the great evil that stood ready to annihilate everyone that stood in the way.  And it is even more amazing to see that The Greatest Generation refused to yield.  From our friends across the pond and back again they stood against Hitler and his Final Solution.  They pressed on against an Empire bent on domination.

It is a moment of self examination to remember that all gave some and that some gave all.  Our losses were great.  Their sacrifices were more painful that any of us in this modern age can begin to imagine.  And throughout it all, they pressed on.  Women went to work, people saved, rationed, recycled and all the while did everything they could to support their girls and boys out there in the field.

I look at the life we have now in this day and age.  All the wonderful things we’ve invented, created and come to own.  All the life we’ve been given the chance to live because someone somewhere refused to blink and was willing to serve no matter the cost.

When you hear the remaining survivors of World War II, you hear the reality of what they experienced.  You understand that there was no other way and that when the news of The Empire and The Reich’s horrifying true intents came out, there was a true sense that they had fought the war for the right reasons.

As December 7th, 1941 began we did not know what was coming our way.  We did not imagine what the next four years would hold for us as a people, as a nation and as a Allied country.  Even now, as I read through the history and watch it replay on the screen my imagination can only go so far.

Never forget The Greatest Generation.  As we lose more and more each year to age, remember that once they’re gone they will not be here to remind us of those that brought us here to these days here today.  Take a moment each day to remember them, their sacrifice and the stories of their indelible courage in the face an unflinching enemy.

In just a few hours the final seconds will tick over into December and leave the month of November and with it, “National Novel Writing Month” behind.  I wish I could say, “I WON! I WON!”, but alas that is not the case once again.  I’ve never won a NaNoWriMo.  I’ve done it the last five years and each year I failed I’d get upset at myself for not pulling a Pope-esque miracle out of my back pocket and lay 50,000 words down as the last days of November approached.  I’ve constantly hit around 20,000 and this year I am proud to say I crawled over the “25,000″ line.

I used to get upset at myself for not winning.  I would let the idea of my lack of ability to write all those words sink in and stalk, haunt and taunt me from all corners of my creative mind.  It haunted me every year.  Including this year.  The difference for me was realizing that I had written a helluva story this time around and that given some time beyond November I could actually finish this sucker with success!  The story felt alive to me.  Each day I wrote I found a new corner I hadn’t expected to in each character.  Exploring those characters became a new joy as a wrote.  Truth be told if I went back and edited, expanded and manhandled the current 25,000 word story I could expand simply on the existing chapters and probably approach the heralded 50,000 mark.

I’ve had great fun writing and getting to know a few old friends through the world of NaNoWriMo.  I think it’s time to shelve my current novel for a few months.  Get back to doing the non fiction blogging I hungered for and enjoy immensely.  December has arrived and with it The Dreaded Holidays of 2010.  Shopping, gift giving and all the hulaboo that comes along with the season.

I can’t say I’m thrilled to be staring down another 25 days of insanity but I will say that with a caveat.  My brother will be married on January 1st, 2011 and I get to serve as a groomsman.  I’m plenty excited about the wedding and getting to see extended family again.  It’s just that I have to get through the next 27 days.  Ah, the holidays!

Onto December I say!  Bring on the merriment and the reason for the Season!

This year I’ve got a few things on my plate that I didn’t have in previous incarnations of this tradition.  I had a stroke last April.  I’ve had a few other health concerns that have been directly tied to my unhealthy habits and current state of the once shining temple of a body I inhabit.  On top of this I’m back into the dating world for better or worse and I’m consciously realizing I want to look better than the rotund tumbler that I currently resemble.  The straw that broke the fat camel’s back is the impending nuptials in which my brother will be marrying his fiancé in 2011 on the 1^st of January.

I don’t know about you, but weddings are one of those things you really want to look your best. Due to the fact that there will be numerous people from my past and present there (including family), I’ve want to be a sharp dressed man.  And as you well know from ZZ Top, every girl is crazy for one.  Tubby with several spare tires doesn’t really a rock song about hot guys make. Just saying.

I’ve been looking for inspiration for the last two months and now I’ve found the tipping point for my troubles to become full blown issues.  Mind you, I’ve often said I don’t have issues, I have volumes.

Sarcastic wa-wa humor aside this allows me to resurrect the “Lose it or Die” meme for myself.  The idea behind it was that either I lose the weight and get healthy…or I’ll probably take my leave of this big ol’ green ball of life early due to my inability to save the very existence I treasure.

This also extends to my spiritual theatre.  I’m like the song, “Hot and Cold” by Katy Perry when it comes to God at times.  I start off great then I fade away and then I’m back.  It probably resembles the awkward dance I would do to said song.

Coming up on Thursday, I’ll reveal my 2010 resolutions and the plan of attack for how I’m going to keep this going beyond just the opening days of January.

The part about the end of the year I do enjoy is looking back and looking forward.  Taking stock of the last year or so and figuring out what I’ve accomplished in the entirety of my life so far and then deciding what I need to do this year to get closer to completing my life vision.  I’m pretty sure that’s the first time I’ve ever typed the words, “life vision”.

The first step is to examine the New Years Resolutions from last year to figure out if I even managed to complete one.  Part one from last year is here.  To be honest in being “less tubby” this year I’ve kind of broken even.  There have been very good months in this and then some very bad months.  Most of the bad months have been over the last four.  Breaking even is not an acceptable end result and so this Resolution is getting pushed into next year.  Because I want to live, look hot and be able to run down Usain Bolt.

The second part of last year’s resolutions is here.  In regards to “living more” I think I’ve made a pretty solid effort.  I’m on day shift now and I’ve done my part to show up to events and try and meet people.  I’ve not been successful in getting out of my shell, but that will make a good resolution for 2010.

And of course, the third part is here.  As for for my success in getting my creative side out, I think I’ve succeeded marginally on this particular resolution.  I’ve done some writing, I tried NANOWRIMO again this year (lost, but tried darned hard!) and have been trying to get my radio show back into working shape.  Another one tabled into next year.

My next post will be where I start to lay the groundwork for next year.  Oh the possibilities!

Good luck to me on that.  I’ll be talking about it over the next here and on my video blog.

So, number 3.  I’ve talked a little about my radio show that I used to do nearly every day on blogtalkradio.com in partnership with several hosts.  We would talk about Religion, Politics and Entertainment at length.  Jokes, serious conversation and even some changed minds occurred.  Shocking, I know.  In a time where people seem stuck in their ways and unable to see past their little box, it was a bastion of wisdom and logic.

I haven’t been doing the show regular like for some time.  It’s a hobby and a outlet for my creative energy.  With it I’m able to power up the nerditical neurons and create a sense of satisfaction. When I’m not preaching the word of Aaron to the masses I’m simply lazing about like a lard of luminous lunar waste. And nobody want’s to see that.

With time the luminous lard grows rounder, increasing the circumference. And according to most health experts, that is what they call a “bad thing”. Hence, I wish to avoid that fate.

A challenge for me will be the creative side and finding ways to expand that into something that drives me, awakens the hunger for more within me. That’s they key for anyone in the world who has to create for a living. The burning candle of ideas must be constantly burning, moved from room to room and place to place to be given a new environment in which to bring light to and inspire.

That’s what my radio show and video blog are for me. They are my hobby, sure. But they are also my anti-drug. I’ve never used, abused or anything of that sort and I believe it is because of the things I’ve found to fill that need. I’ll admit to having some mild depression and feelings of uselessness the last few months. I’m a big boy. I can handle that.

And I think part of it was that I was looking for something to belong to and use my talents in an intrinsic fashion. I’m back with my church doing work with students, but there is still this piece missing. Hence the radio show. I will be doing it every day. I’m thinking a late night show looking back on the day. Politics, Religion and whatever else comes into play will be discussed. I’ll be doing details over at my radio blog so keep an eye there or on my twitter.

There’ll be a few more resolutions posts. Get ready, 2009 is underway and it’s time to get serious about life and the future we all share. Onwards!

Kidding aside, I’ve got some work to do. Which comes to my second Resolution. One of my goals for 2009 is to live. You know the whole, “I don’t wanna die. I wanna live!” statement that is present in many apocalyptic movies of past and present. There is of course a certain scene in “Serenity” where the promise of horizontal relations gives someone the gumption to fight on intent on winning so that they can indeed, “live”.

However you define “living”, apply it to me. You see, I’m a shut in. A literal, figurative and rhetorical shut in to the fullest extent of the word. I’ve spent more my off days watching DVD’s of “Stargate” and “House”. I’ve had the chance to get out and do things. I’ve either invented or thrown myself into things so I can claim being “busy” or unable to attend due to something else. Hermits worldwide look to me for the latest hermitage fashions. The shut ins have granted me a provisional membership in their burgeoning Illuminati-esque organization.

If this sounds bad, it is. I used to be the biggest party in the room. A bit crazed, but still a party. I was a outgoing guy. I relished going out into the world and enjoying the life God had given me. What has created this sloth like impression so indelibly impressed upon me? And how in the blue blazes do I get it off me?

I’ve long longed for the friendship. I have long sought to hold someone in my arms. Each time I seem to either get cold feet, hot feet or even tepid feet. Either way it never really works out like it should. It’s a dance of confusion, fear and previous experiences. I can confess without too much trouble to saying I’m alone. Aside from one or two friends who I’ve managed to push myself into involving myself with, I’ve got nothing.

And it’s all my fault. I can’t be counted on for much. I can’t really be expected to follow through. One of my best friends from my old church had a wedding with nearly everyone. I missed it. The reasons were all in my hands. Why didn’t I simply find a way to make it happen? I’m pretty sure I’ve burned that bridge pretty effectively. And it’s my fault.

If this sounds depressing, it is. It’s hard finding a way to process through all this. It is why I write. Sometimes getting this stuff from fingers to keyboard helps to lift the weight of worry from my shoulders. We all have things in our hearts and minds that weigh heavily on us every day. I’m unable to hold those things within very well.

I also express myself far better on paper.

2008 was a struggle against a Stroke that continues to haunt me each day. It was also a struggle against keeping myself healthy and focused. 2009 presents a great chance to get it right and make it right. All the self image problems that crop up every so often. All the times when I don’t feel confident speaking in groups. All the moments where I simply step aside and lurk in the shadows because it’s easy. Those moments when the cute girl smiles and I’ve got the chance to make my move…and don’t.

For me 2009 is a chance to live life again. I will have to manage to do all this while working a second shift schedule and in a high pressure/expectation work environment.

Part of this effort is to start once again doing my radio show daily. That will be detailed in Part 3 in a few days.

I’m curious to see if you’ve ever struggled or currently struggle with this stuff I’ve talked about above.  Feel free to comment your opinion/thoughts/experiences.

Well, this is it. The moment where we all count down to the end of one long stretch of 365 days. I know it’s been a harried year on the international stage with diplomacy and war. The markets from Argentina to Zimbabwe have taken a pounding. Here in the good ole’ United States of America we’ve been in a recession for pretty much the entire year. Money isn’t growing on trees like it used to and everyone is facing uncertain times.

Yes, 2008 was probably not the best year we as a nation have had. Never mind what ugly shape the world is in right now.

On a personal level 2008 has been equally as rocky. Back in April I had a minor stroke that put me in the hospital for six days. Every since that day I’ve been living my life in terms of black and white. Some days are good, some days are bad. My left side acts up every so often. My leg especially enjoys slowing me down at times. I’ve lost some confidence when it comes to speaking in social situations. That once gregarious unstoppable force that was Aaron DeLay has slowed some. I take two pills a day and haven’t found the groove and rhythm that I had hoped would be evident by this time in my life.

I changed job in June and escaped from the worst job I have ever had in my life to one that offers so much more. I left the call center world and landed in the position of Housekeeping operations manager. From being on my feet for a minute to nearly all dang day has taught me what management is all about. Mind you, I’m still learning but the people I work with have shown they are willing to help me take that learning curve with good traction.

I found myself questioning my Faith, my God and my own life through it all. I found God again and we’re still working on things in that department.

For 2008 I was single. It was a lonely time. Still is. I’m the one with the power to change that, so I’ve got own that failure. Can’t blame that on The Man or anybody else. Sometimes I think I’m ready and other times I make people wonder how I ever even had a girlfriend. I’ve got the goal to start dating again. Which I hope to learn how to do again.

I’ve kept the weight at around 220 pounds for most of the year. I’ve got the goal of taking better care of myself and feeling better about myself. Obviously it all dovetails.

In 2008 I grew to love my parents even more. We’ve had a great relationship over the past few years and I was blessed to spend time with them over Thanksgiving. It was one of the best times of my life. Being with Family and not worrying about life is priceless. My brother spent time in Ireland and came back in time for Christmas, which he spent up with the family. I worked Christmas and hoped it wouldn’t be hard to process.

It was difficult. Finishing out 2008 without being able to celebrate the Christmas Holiday is something I don’t ever want to miss again.

For 2009 I can only hope and pray that I remain stroke free. I can believe that I’ll find friendship and love over the next 365 days in abundance. I can hope, dream and believe that the best will happen.

And for now as 2008 fades from view in that quiet moment as the clock ticks passed 12:01am…I will do just that without sarcasm, cynicism or pessimism. Happy New Year everyone! Let’s make it a good one.

So I decided to start over. Fresh and with a open outlook at 2009. It’s the start of a new year, of a new start and more importantly new chances to not make a train wreck out of life. This resolutions will run several parts over the next few days. Feel free to comment as well.

My first resolution is to stop being known as “tubby” around the office. You know it’s bad when the employees call you by the other fat guy’s name. It’s funny the first few times and we all chuckle about it. Then after a few days it starts to grate on your nerves, snapping them like guitar strings. Eventually that last nerve remains and you realize that yes indeed Virginia, you’re a fat man.

I’ve tried a go at this before and it lasted about a week and a half. For those ten or so days I felt the best I have in a very long while. I was rested, functional and feeling good about myself. I stopped writing emo based blogs which I would then delete, cry over and eat fourth-meal aka Taco Bell. I’m not proud of those grease induced moments. Everyone has their weaknesses. Mine appears to be re-purposed vomit covered in heart clogging implements. To each his own.

My stroke back in April was likely caused by a few variables, one of which is my weight and unhealthy habits. In a effort to avoid having another Short Circuit moment in the brain (Johnny-5 is alliiive!) I’ll be fighting the good fight against the bad influences of the dark side of the food.

Plus, I’ll have to start moving my body out of the chair and putting one foot in front of the other. That’s the second part of this first resolution. Exercise. My body is a temple. Sadly I’ve turned it into the dingy neighborhood bar that you find on the far corner of town with people you’re sure are not human and possibly immigrated from Pluto or somewhere far away. It needs a good paint job, more bleach than Clorox keeps on hand and some good ole’ fashioned washing with a high pressure hose of V-8.

And so begins the countdown of the my ten New Years Resolutions for the year 2009. Some will be full of sense and logic. And others will probably be much like Rosanne singing the National Anthem was to most Americans. A very real and clear example of the expression, “WTF?!”.

Feel free to share your resolutions in comments or link to yours.

This Christmas, enjoy the time with Family, Friends and all those around you. Smile, laugh and have those moments where you simply treasure the time spent with them. To my parents in Montana where my brother is, to my aunt and uncle and even my amazing cousins from Great Falls, Montana and to all the DeLays’ and Dahls’ from Washington to Florida…MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I’ll miss spending time with you this week, but I’ll be remembering the moments of times past when we were all together celebrating the joy of our family.

To whoever reads this through Facebook, Twitter and whatever…MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Translated, it is unspeakably cold here in the Mile High City. Since Winter came in late this year (halfway through November? Really? Old Man Winter get stuck on the toilet?) it’s been very nice and warm on most days. Sunshine, never really below 20 degrees at night.

I figure we’re bearing the brunt of said cranky Old Man this time around. This is not to say Denver is the coldest or even close. 40 degrees below zero with a unthinkable windchill in Montana is cold. Been there, got the t shirt and chattered my teeth down to the nubs. It’ll bounce back up within the week or Denver being what it is, it’ll be 70 on Tuesday.

I’m quietly simmering politically speaking. I’m waiting for the inauguration hoopla so I can start discussing the newly minted president. I met the Mayor of Thornton, Colorado this weekend at a holiday party of sorts and I have to say it was a great experience. I was afraid to talk politics but then found out he was more than happy to discuss it.

There are times when the hunger of politics nearly turns into activism for me and I’ve consciously been percolating on the idea of getting involved starting at the local level. After all, being related to The Hammer (aka Tom DeLay) means that I’ve got a heavy interest in the systems and the players. I also blame my grandmother Jenimae Dahl. My parents tell me she was heavily active in the Democratic Party when she was younger and was very much a force to be reckoned with in any situation.

She mellowed out when the grandkids came along and transformed into the image that I retain in my heart and mind to this day. She passed away in December of 2001, just months after September 11th struck us all sideways and mere days before the Christmas hullabaloo was to begin.

It was hard for my own Mother to deal with losing her parent. Jenimae Dahl was loved deeply by all that knew her. Even today when I think of all the times we drove up to the house ten miles from the Canadian border I still have to pause and bring the rock precariously balanced at the top of my throat.

Later in life she suffered from the monster known as Alzheimer’s disease. My mom, dad and various members of the family did what they could for her and my grandfather. She was very different in those last days, of which I did not witness.

This Christmas my grandfather will turn 95 years old. He is still driving around his small town where he lives in a quiet nursing home. Smoking his pipe his entire life has not stopped him from living each day. His memory is still sharp and the stories can still flow.

I’ll be spending the Christmas Holiday at home, working through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as a trade off for the Thanksgiving Vacation I enjoyed. I’ll be quietly thanking God for my amazing family. My Mother (she thinks she’s a terrible mother…but the truth is she’s been nothing short of amazing in the last few years) My Father, the ultimate and tantamount Man of God and Hero that I look up to each day and My Brother who recently will be flying back from across the pond in Ireland. I’ll be thankful they’re enjoying Christmas together up in Montana and looking forward to taking vacations up to the lake and the new boat we’ve acquired.

My Christmas will be quiet and uneventful but it’ll be in the forefront of my mind and heart. I’ve got a lot to remember and smile about over the years.

As you countdown the days to Christmas, think about Christmas Past. Remember those warm moments with those no longer with us…and get ready to laugh with those that still are around. This Christmas hold your friends and family close. Smile, laugh and celebrate God’s gift in the midst of it all. Start saying “Merry Christmas!” to everyone.

It’s merely days away now, on the tip of the proverbial tongue.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Below is the Obituary printed for my grandmother when she passed.

Jenimae (Johnson) Dahl, 80, died of natural causes on Wednesday, December 19, 2001, at Valley View Home in Glasgow, MT.

She was born January 28, 1921, in Opheim to Joseph and Elvina (Benson) Johnson. She always lived in Opheim and graduated from Ophiem High School. She married Otto Dahl at Opheim on December 10, 1939.

She was a very outgoing person. She loved to make buns and give them to friends and she enjoyed traveling. Her grandchildren were very important to her. To have known Jenimae was a true blessing. She had a positive input on all of our lives with a cheerful attitude. She always remained thankful in spite of her failing health. She loved to visit and never met a stranger. She welcomed all people to her home, making them feel comfortable with her sincere hospitality. Family gatherings will always hold special memories and be dear to her loved one’s hearts. For Jenimae, the more people the happier the occasion.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Donalda Jean Dahl, of Lubbock, TX.

She is survived by her husband, Otto, two sons, three daughters, one sister, 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Sunday, December 23, at 2 p.m. at the Opheim Methodist Church in Opheim with Rev. Tim Henz officiating. Burial was in the Lawndale Cemetery in Opheim. Bell Mortuary of Glasgow was in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers were Christopher Dahl, Zachary Dahl, Toby Dahl, Seth Dahl, Aaron DeLay and Nathan DeLay.