norm blaisdell's Open Salon Blog

a young boy

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 02:01:26 -0500

As young boy growing up it seemed life was impossible. Had only one parent who was in charge of 7 all total. Think we were about 18 months apart in age. Each of us were totally different yet we as kids developed our own personality. It seemed normal thinking back. e in the morningGrowing up in the age of what is known as baby boomers was hard especially for us since we were poor had very little while many people looked down on us. It was unpleasant for me in school as my clothes were not of good quality which made us targets of insults by our peers. I had a paper ot up early 7 days a week and made a little money. My parent took 3/4 of it and had little left for myself. She was not that good a person while in effect had many disagreements with her. Knew from an early age she did not really love me and wished that I was out of her life. Caused some pain while not really happy with life. Tried to kill myself and she put me into a hospital. Remahey were doingined there for a period of time. Came home which was ok butfelt she had no interest in trying to love me. My sibs were cold and then as we bcame 18 shown te door. Do not come back and hey if you do tgen pay for a meal. No free hand outs. I developed a sense of bitterness which has been with me all my life that deals with family. My teen yeen years were miserable. Still had the morning paper route and still had to give her the money. My tips if there were some kept secret from her. Think she at times went through things checking on what I have hidden. Yeah really difficult indeed. One teacher became a good friend and liked what they had done for me. Then again after leaving school while on my own thought hey life is not bad and have kept what they taught me to myself. It was difficult but more latter.

Good Bye China

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 06:12:11 -0500

Time passes by faster than one can realize. As I look back over the years have spent 19 of them in Asia. Japan, Taiwan, S Korea and China. Here in China spent 5 of those in Zhengzhou teaching Oral English. Loved it and have seen many students improve their ability in speaking the langaugeer and can no longer remain here. Loved living in campus housing although the buildings are old it did give me more comfort in life. The neighbors are extremely wonderful and always said a hello or a few other words. This gave me hope that people do care and everyone should keep an open mind.

My contract will be done on 31 Jan while no new contract or work permit will be given. My age is the reason so must depart. I'll head home to Iowa via Delta Air from Shanghai. About 16 hours of flying time. Not bad in some respects but hey it is a long way. My students are sad about me leaving as many have really been with me for a few years. One girl has been crying all day as she cares deeply about me.

Had students come over to work some, learn how to create some good American cuisine while enjoying themselves. They take this skill home to show what they can do. Have heard their mom thinks it is out of this world. Others just have fun and like eating western food. In the past we have taken trips to Kaifeng, Anyang, Xi'an and Beijing. They were happy that I have been there and have a vast knowledge of many places. A few have never traveled much so this was an educational experience as well. In the past thought it would be interesting to see more places thus having an opportunity to have students travel around with me. Many laughs, a few questions and yes we all enjoyed ourselves. I'll miss them deeply and will not regret taking the time to come here.

One Chinese teacher told me, " you have given much to our students. It is great that you spent so much of your life here working with them and they think it is wonderful. We deeply thank you." Yes taking my life and doing something different is wonderful. For me this has been a great adventure.

growing up

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 23:11:01 -0400

Growing up is hard, right? Might be more fun if your family is pleasant but in my clan well the opposite. It was never really clear why we did not get along let alone maintain peace as well as harmony. Even today tried to make some contact. Rejected and told leave me alone. Ok so this is life. Not much can be done really and life just has to on. Have tried to figure it out but my conclusion is we do not want you.gave

Had many problems as an adolescent. Beaten up a few times. Had few friends in school while not sure who could be trusted. Teachers were okay while thinking what could I do next. Had to endure what was then look forward. Looking forward was more important while not looking backward. This gave me some hope. I gave my pet mouse this name, "looking forward." It me hope to carry on. Loved the little critter. Never gave me problems. Liked to hold it. Talked to it while knowing it was still a living creature who needed care as well. Maybe this is better. Still thought at times why are people such "jerks" and can care only for themselves.

There was a period of time in the early 1970's in which I sought out more help in dealing with my predictament. Was depressed wanted to terminate my life then realized it would do nothing but I would not be around. It made more sense in working out these difficulties. It worked and found more understanding about life and how each one of us have hidden goals that need to be made. Worked hard to overcome that which was bothering me. Worked at looking at life in a different manner and hope there will be something new. Today am happy that I did not take the dark side of life out and am here to tell the story.

Growing up was hard to under take. Having people who at times cared was one thing but having no one who cared is a horse of another color. Today sit back while wondering what has hap.pened to my peers from yesterday. Often wonder if they had a good life or bad. Have they had the best of life or maybe hit rock bottom and made nothing. Still that is the unknown side which is not that important. I am and still will be the same and miserable person who had a tough time growing up. It was hard and endured much. My sibs today well can rot in hell. My mom who caused me grief as well as me doing the same is gone. I did go to her grave and did my best to reflect on what we both went through. Had strong words but needed to get them out and be at peace with myself. It was finally done. Had my final say while her ashes were buried deep with only memories of what took place. Most likely will never again visit her resting place. Have much to say about growing up with the ill feelings that gave me little. I did my best as an adolescent. Then merged into manhood while not knowing about the outcome in the future.

Life 3

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 05:10:02 -0400

Life is how we make it. Life can be enjoyable to a point where we are totally delighted or down right miserable. It was one miserable period of my life from July 1977 to about Oct 1989. Over this period of time had been married to one who gave me nothing but misery. Worked in a place where the guys hated me so much they tried to exterminate my butt. Then for a period of time felt no one gave a care. As time went on thought about what course of action should be taken. I also was given terrible news while then a few individuals showed very little in listening to me nor did they have the ability to fully grasp what was going on. Then in 1984 it all began and slowly after it took 5 years to comprehend what was going on and what course of action should be undertaken.

In May of 1984 needed hand surgery due to work. Put me out of commision for the summer but knew hey I did not need to go back to my job where the guys hated me. Then found out in July had other more serious medical difficulties. My wife at this time was not very pleased and she turned against me. It came to a head after thinking what was going on.Then took a medical retirement at 38. Gee what should be done or what other course of action should be taken. Tried to have a discussion with my then wife but she did not give me any indication in what should be undertaken. Made the decision to return back to school. Best thing that was done. To her it became troublesome while many disagreements came about. Thus decided it was my choice and needed to undertake some new things in life.

While undertaking this made choices in which we both knew were coming. Divorce was the answer and she wanted everything. Thus knew it was over. Lost all but was away from her so it was thought. I graduated in the fall of 1989 and got my BA. Hm now what? A short job offer for 9 months in Japan and it was great. She agreed to store my belongings and when I return will receive them. Fine but when I returned informed she had a bon fire and burned everything i owned. Made me very angry but hey not much could be done. Then in Dec 1990 was shot. Here was a mystery and how justice is done. The guy who did it went to the house of detention for 25 and her cousin who talked to this person received 15. She got away with probation. Yep how did I feel? Hmm well not good but hey that is how things happen.

In Feb 1991 after being healed up headed back to Asia where I have been in Taiwan and S Korea. In China for 7 years and have not been back home. Do you blame me.

Interesting things

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 02:10:23 -0400

Life in itself is weird, strange, unknowing and yet unpredictable. All through my journey in life have come upon many interesting things. A lot has to do in dealing with life itself and how each of us understands what life is all about. As an adolescent growing up where I did never really meant that much. It was just one heck of a time with very little love so in some ways this was interesting to me. Finding it meant one has to experience the nature of it and thus it can become interesting.

Have found that here in China the Great Wall is a work of engineering and craftsmanship. Just to walk along it will give one some insight into the life of these ancient people but this is how life was at that period of time.

Seeing men squat like ducks while smoking and spitting can make one feel disgusting.

Children like to come up and try to start a conversation. Hey do it and you just might find it is interesting in talking to kids.

Family for me is dead. They do not want to talk or see me.

China drivers dangerous and yet there are accidents. No regard for traffic ligfhts.

Street markets give one a sense of life with vendors hollering away in order to sell their good.

Went up to Seoul S Korea and saw the DMZ. Soldiers watching across no man's land and yet for over 50 years no shots were fired.

Was in the hospital here in China. Excellent care and felt good.

When a kid we traveled across the country while seeing how vast the land was. It gave me the feeling of being an early explorer. I wonder what those early people thought as they crossed the land in covered wagons.

Had seen race riots in the 1960's. Very dangerous while stayed away from those areas.

Went back to school at 38. It was interesting in learning and searching out new ideas. I just think this was one great thing that was undertaken.

Meeting people from other lands well try it and see what you can find out about the lives of other people.