task analysis

I try to recognize and celebrate small things! It seems like that works good for me!  Yes, it does!

I am thinking of you (i.e. maybe all of you but particularly some of you) and of course, me. Yes, I am! Soooo listen up, hahaha! My thought process started by thinking of an acquaintance who died it appears because of complete depression. Why, I asked myself. I don’t know and never will. He just couldn’t turn it around, I guess. Then I thought about task analysis in our lives as a way of pulling ourselves up from a tough time or through tough events. Soooo how do we do that I asked myself.  Abraham Lincoln said—When we extinguish hope we create desperation.

Task analysis is the process of breaking down a complex activity or goal into smaller, manageable steps or components. By identifying and understanding each step required to complete a task, people can more effectively plan, monitor progress, and address challenges one piece at a time. This approach helps transform overwhelming situations into achievable actions, fostering clarity and momentum even during difficult times. Abraham Lincoln said—Wage war one at a time.

I use this concept in my life a lot. I do one part of the big project and then take a break (i.e. I have a sense of accomplishment). Then I do another and another until I get the project done. That way I don’t get soooo overwhelmed. It seems to really work for me. It sure does! That sorta kinda rings my bell!

Dr.J says—"Let’s look at our “life line” and look back as how it works--God often lays out his plan just one step at a time. He wants us to take the first step in obedience, and then he’ll show us the next step. Each step along the way may not seem logical, but we can obey in faith and confidence, knowing God’s way is always best.” BUT for many folks, that is really hard to do or comprehend. We have a hard time handling what we think is, two steps forward and one step back. Or does it feel like two steps backwards and one step forward sometimes. Either way, if we keep at it, we will gradually go forward and higher (i.e. an accumulation of small steps). You can say that again!

You have missed the point one person says to another! When I just think of the short term, I miss the point! The long-term point is much more important. And that’s seeing the big picture. Short-term tasks accumulate and build on the long-term project a.k.a. the real point. I have to admit that I sometimes concentrate way toooo much on the short term and miss the point. Kenny Rogers sang--There is a certain point when it’s good to know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em! You can put your money on that!

A form of discipline I see is “the time out method” in disciplining children. I, in analyzing my life’s tasks, take time outs to meditate on my direction and methods. I have a handbook that I try to follow; it seems to work a lot better for me when I follow it, but it ain’t always easy let me tell ya! AverageJoe says--If it would be easy, everyone would do it! Sometimes events in my life that happen to me force me to take a time out; I have no choice. I can use them as opportunities or be unhappy about them (i.e. it’s my choice). Those opportunities do make me think through the process and hopefully get me focused on the right stuff! Those opportunities seem to happen all the time! Yikes! But that seems to work!

It sure is hard to have clarity of thought and get our strength renewed when our soul is weary. Some friends who are in AA and have had success tell me that the first step is that folks have to admit they have a problem and the second one is accept that there is a higher power and they can't handle it by themselves. RickyRick says—"The Bible has a name for 'admitting your way isn’t working.' It’s called confession, and it can be tough. Those two are big parts of healing.” These concepts are from folks who have been very low in their lives. They ought to know I would guess. One day at a time! You can count your chickens from those eggs before they’re hatched, oh ya!

Soooo how can we become strong? Well, to get strong either physically or mentally or spiritually we have to exercise. No question.  And do it regularly; set it as a priority. Make it a part of our life. Easy? no way! Can it be done, you bet it can. It really helps, my opinion, to be around good folks. A support group of some kind is a good. A church small group is an excellent example of a group of folks who we can trust and share. Not the folk who are not interested in helping us, probably not! We might have to make new friends or hang around with different folks. Could be! That could put the fire out!

I find that small accomplishments are soooo good for me. That is why I like task analysis. It makes me feel good. They lift me up (e.g. exercising every day or not eating after my evening meal). I’m big on writing these small goals down and also checking them off as I accomplish them. It works better for me. That seems to tickle my inners.

How do we handle terrible impulses? I think we really need to be tough folks in a tough world. We really need to work on it HARD! Will it be easy, no way! Be realistic. BUT accomplish one small goal at a time. That will turn the wind around!

We all have heard about all of this before, no question. Sooooo let’s do it and see if we can get the ball rolling. Soo throw those chips down and get our butts of the couch! Nuttin will happen if we don’t get after it. We all know that! Let’s knock the door down!

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--A goal is a dream with a deadline.

processing information and thoughts

I am thinking of a friend who isn’t happy. I have said many times, and it is very obvious to me, that woman are much prettier when they are happy. To me that is a no brainer. It’s like day and night difference. They can put on makeup or buy a new outfit, but it still shows. It’s not rocket science. For a man it is the same, men have a hard face when they are not happy. My opinion, if folks are unhappy for a very long time, they will start to look old. I read in the Book about a cure for this, yes, I have. It is:  Wisdom (i.e. that is heavenly wisdom and not earthly wisdom) brightens a person’s face and changes its hard appearance. Take some time to process and reflect on that will ya.

When we analyze and process the correct information, we understand our situation much better than when we don’t. My opinion. I guess we have to get the correct information first to process it. Now that is a big project for all of us. It seems like many times we don’t want to know the correct information. JoeBlow says—It’s a lot easier to see other’s problems and weaknesses than our own! Maybe we can’t correct ourselves until we do that and then we still might not be able to correct it. Some folks have told me how professional counseling has really helped them. Maybe the problems we have are in our heads and maybe we need help from others to process the situation!

I was hitting golf balls at the course the other day. I said to a couple of old guys who were playing—how’s it going today—ok, but we are a couple of old hackers, but it beats sitting on the couch watching TV!!!

I don’t want to be a pretender. Pretenders are hard for me to be around. They are what a friend calls them, a black cloud. Violet Stillwater says--erv, be careful here; process this thought first. Maybe it’s better that you do not talk about it. Ok, I’m just venting here. I know, I know! I express my thoughts and frustrations on paper many times and then after a day or two, I throw the paper away. It seems therapeutic for me! 

We observed that part of our lawn (i.e. an area of about 12 inches) where the sprinkles don’t sprinkle the grass, that the grass is brown. Yakima only gets 8 inches of rain a year. If the lawn doesn’t get water, it just won’t grow and be green (i.e. that is fact). We adjusted the sprinklers soooo it got watered and wow did that make a difference. Bingo! Now that is a good analogy for my mind and soul, I think!

MissPerfect says--I read that one thing about AI is that it can reprogramed to not make the same mistake again; I wish I could program myself to not make the same mistake over and over and over again! If anyone is in an unhappy relationship and wants it to change, ask or observe folks who have long, happy relationships. Don’t ask folks who always have problems in relationships. The same way about personal money management. But if a person doesn’t want to take critical criticism, and change, it will be the same-o same-o. It is a proven fact. We gotta process the facts! Maybe there are reasons why folks don’t want to change (i.e. keep hitting their heads against the wall)! ItchieBitchie says--If we do the same old unsuccessful things that we did the last 10 years the next 10 years, why in the world should we expect anything to change! SusieQ says--I'm getting help; I’m on the phone with the fire department—what did they say—I don’t know; I’m waiting for them to stop laughing!

The old saying is:  There is two ways of learning it, the easy way and the hard way (e.g. we are told we need to exercise, and we do it and the hard way is we have a health condition, and we learn it). We process information differently now don’t we. Or maybe we process it the same way but react to it differently (i.e. take a different course of action). My Daddy, Chester, would say to me, erv, “Everyone has problems, it’s just that some handle them differently.”

Ok, how do we learn to make good decisions? It appears that some folks make better decisions than others. People’s decision processes must be different. If soooo, how does a person develop a good decision making process. Yes, we can research and use the basic guiding principles for effective decision making but even then, people process them differently and it seems we always don’t follow them the same. Soooo it appears to me, we really do need to sit down and really analyze our own multisided decision-making process. Sooooo I think we all need help. It appears that if we seek help and take it, we can make better decisions. Soooo then, we need to decide where we are going to get our help! OneSmatPerson says—And there is the problem, many folks won’t seek help!

Reflect and debrief and process past events and then go forward seems to be a good thing, my opinion RickyRick says—"A lot of people don’t want to forgive, because they think if they forgive people, then they’ve got to trust them again. No. That’s a whole different issue! Trust has to be earned. In a relationship where a person is dealing with a major problem that has harmed their family, they may ask, ‘Will you forgive me?’ Yes, we will forgive them. ‘Can we go back to the way it was?’ No. That’s not at all what we do. You move forward, but things must be different. Forgiveness and the restoration of a relationship are not the same thing.” BUT forgiveness feels good! At least to me it does. BUT remember, I’m just a little ol' farm boy from a mile and a quarter south of Roseland, MN!

Process our mind! CoachB says—” We got to have a new mindset to go forward. Quit trying to change the stuff out there but instead change the stuff in our heads, hearts and souls.” I agree with CoachB. I, along with the encouragement of Jeanne, am in the process of changing my mindset of a certain person. They are not going to change but maybe I can change and treat them differently. What do you think? That is what I thought! BUT I tell you what folks, it ain’t easy! I have a thick head and a hard heart at times! Oh, yes!

But here is the bottom line, the real fact (i.e. the conclusion of the matter)! Have you ever tried to help someone who doesn’t want your help or want to change? Someone who really doesn’t want to change or don't see the need to change. How did it go? It is as simple as that! As I read in a novel I'm reading--But my guess is it ain't going to happen! Abraham Lincoln said--Remember, human action can be modified to some extent, but human nature can not be changed.

Some folks just plain jump to a conclusion and overreact without processing the information or the source. Many folks would say that some folks use no common sense (i.e. they are very radical in their reactions). C’mon, it sure appears it’s easy to get some folks excited real fast; pull their chain and they go ballistic (i.e. easy sale no matter what they are being sold). Did I get you excited when you read this “It’s Saturday?” Kaboom! Did I get your dandruff up?

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.

rabbit hole

Webster defines a rabbit hole as a complexly bizarre or difficult state or situation conceived of as a hole into which one falls or descends.

Have we ever had our enthusiasm barbequed and then we crawled in a rabbit hole? Ouchy ouchy! J. J. Spaun won the U.S. Open Golf Championship recently. He was a very unlikely golfer to win it (i.e. a complete underdog). And to top it off, he started his final round getting 6 bogies in the first 7 holes and fell well behind; then there was a rain delay. He came back with a great game and won from behind. He overcame adversity. His past history was that of a bad attitude about himself (i.e. went down the rabbit hole); he hired a psychologist to work with him on his attitude. It changed his life. In his post tournament interview he used one of Confucius’ quotes: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Winning this Championship will change his life!

CoachB says—We all make mistakes and missteps in life, all of us, everyone of us! If we haven’t made mistakes or missteps we haven’t done anything and that’s a mistake. Soooo we don’t need to beat up ourselves and crawl in a rabbit hole. He also suggests we seek advice from a successful people before making a decision and our chances of success in our decision process will be much greater. Da! But remember folks what an old friend, Paul, told me years ago—erv, decisions have consequences and guess who makes the decisions!

I saw a lady knitting in church Sunday; I never saw that before! Maybe she wasn’t wasting any time and was multi-tasking. It’s hard to know other’s motives sometimes. We might be way wrong in our thinking. I know I have errored many times. Probably if we are going to error, it’s best to error with more grace a.k.a. the grace concept)! Cut others some slack! And that ain’t always easy for me!

Left Gasping! Jeanne had her house painted and an employee of the painter was a young man maybe 18 or 19 who lived with his grandparents (i.e. we don’t know the circumstances). ANYWAY, his grandfather died while he was painting the house, and he told us some of his story. His grandmother has no money and cremation costs $1,400 which they want up front. I asked him if his grandfather was a believer—I don’t know, he was sometimes and sometimes he wasn’t; he would go to church sometimes and sometimes not; he had doubts and said he was confused; what do you think—I’m not the judge but I would think he was; we all struggle with our faith at times.

In our world today, scamming is very prevalent (i.e. no question); we are scammed/or tried to be scammed all the time. We have no idea who or what to believe anymore. All folks are susceptible to be scammed no matter of age or intelligence (e.g. recently a very smart person was scammed in an area they had no idea about). We are just plain taken advantage of and put right in a rabbit hole. We can be scammed financially, in a relationship, and even by maybe very trusted folks (e.g. some think it’s good business to oversell a service or product; I was just told that by a business person recently). Saturday question—Where is this scamming all going?

The other morning, I realized that I was going in a rabbit hole. I was getting out of whack; I was not functioning the way I wanted; I needed to make an adjustment. I was not who I am or what to be. It’s a humbling experience for me but also a very important self-analysis and awareness. I need to pull in my horns; reprioritize again! I need to make some adjustments. NOW! It’s nuttin new, it happens to me; the world tries to scam me!

Real life experience! I wanted to get a checking account here in Yakima. I decided on a certain bank basically ‘cause it was an old Valley Bank, and it was convenient for me to use some of their services (i.e. I needed a medallion stamp for some business and you have to go their in person). Soooo I go in to open a checking account. The clerk had me fill out a short form, asked what type of account I wanted, got a copy of drivers’ license and asked for some funding for the account and then said—You will have to wait 20 minutes as I’m busy! I said, thank you very much, but I will just go across the street to your competitor bank—she then changed her mind and said, please sign here and took my check and I had an account. And I had one of my better tee shirts on that day toooo yet! But my IA cap was rather ratty!

An analogy of a rabbit hole concept maybe. Soooo, we got moles in our lawn. They come because we irrigate and fertilize the lawn and it’s easy pickins for them to eat the grubs now that the open spaces etc. are drying out. Jeanne doesn’t like to be mean to animals soooo ok, we have moles. They got too bad for her soooo our neighbor tells us how to bomb them; it is rather fun!  Sooo they had to get really bad before she would chase them to the neighbors! Huh, interesting. Seattle has a major problem with the homeless. Seattle helps them but now they are creating a real big problem with lawlessness, hurting the economy, hurting tourism and a social problem. Now what are they going to do to fix the problem? Seattle is in a rabbit hole! Ouchy ouchy!

I really like this statement about attitude and read it often. ATTITUDE by Charles Swindoll  "The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.  Attitude, to me, is more important than facts.  It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say or do.  It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill.  It will make or break a company... a church... a home.  The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day.  We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.  We cannot change the inevitable.  The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes”

Life can be frustrating for everyone at times. My life is no exception, I’m just a typical AverageJoe, just another bozo on the bus. My best solution is that I pray asking God to keep me filled with His Spirit of wisdom and discernment (i.e. a great concept, my opinion). It gets me out of a rabbit hole and protects me from getting in one. It’s the real deal for me a.k.a. life changer!! Look around folks, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out!

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--Life is like a snow storm. You run into a lot of flakes.

let's talk

Let’s talk it over! Sometimes when there is a difference of opinion, folks will say, Let’s talk it over (i.e. meaning let’s have a discussion about that). And a good question when talking it over is—Will you please tell me your opinion on that while we keep our mouth shut. Then when they get done, we ask them—Do I understand you correctly and then repeat what we heard. And then a good mature person would ask you what your opinion is and listen. ItchieBitchie says—I don’t think there are many mature people in this world!  hahaha

AverageJoe says--Some folks talk and talk but never get to the point (i.e. very wishy-washy)! SusieQ says—That’s because there is no point! They are just running off at the mouth!  Some say they have diarrhea of the mouth! They just love to hear themselves talk. SeattleJoe says—For sure some conversations are not as meaningful as others. BUT who is the judge of that? Of course, each one of us is the judge, we all have an opinion. A friend told me--Opinions are a dime a dozen!

Let’ have a meal and talk. Talking over a meal has been fun and great forever. There is something about eating together and talking; it is very pleasant it seems. Why is that anyway? My Mom, Anna, always invited folks into our home and always would give them something to eat. It was the culture’s practice on the farm a mile and a quarter south of Roseland, MN, I think. Even if it was just tea and a slice of Dutch rusk.   

ThePreacherMan told me this story--Have you ever had a conversation with someone that you both just cried? The Bible says that ‘David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep’. Before he was a famous king, David and his men returned to their camp one day and found that a band of raiders had taken everything they had, including their families. The story gets worse. David’s men blamed him for the loss of their wives and children. So at this point in his life, David has hit rock bottom. So what does David do? ‘David found strength in the LORD his God.’ He had a talk with God! At this point, we can see that a change took place. David leads a daring rescue and eventually overtakes the Amalekite raiders, and saves all of the kidnapped people. The story ends well. Ok, some of you might think that’s a bit of a stretch for my life to go that way!

Do we ever find ourselves in a position when it’s better just not to talk? Sara from South Sioux City says—I have never felt that way; of course, it’s quite obvious that I know more than most of my friends soooo that makes a difference. And they just don’t understand very well soooo I have to repeat things at least three times to them and I don’t think they still get it. I must be way more intelligent than they are. It’s a good thing I’m good at talking!!!

Hunk-y-dory  Let’s talk. Crazy as it seems, for me solitude and silence are very good for me. I think I learn more when I do those two things than by talking. Told you it was crazy! I really enjoy the early morning by myself (i.e. I know some of you do as well). For those of you who have never tried it, try it maybe. You might be surprised what can be learned! It’s quite amazing!

I’m a funny person! And I guess you might be toooo!  I’m funny in that I can talk big but act small. I can talk a good show but don’t perform. I just have to laugh at my self sometimes; that is all I can do, just laugh at myself, I’m just hilarious!  I’m really funny! An example of that is I say that I will never do what another person is doing or said and then I just turn around and do it! It’s like it sorta kinda comes back and haunts me! I’m a comedy act! I’m a big talker alright! I guess all I can do is have a little talk with God and ask Him for forgiveness of my shortcomings! I sound like Peter! Cock-a-doodle-do! Cock-a-doodle-do! Cock-a-doodle-do!

Words of Wisdom from Jim (i.e. anybody can be a Jim)—“When we hear somebody bragging about how smart they are, boasting about how much they know, it should always be a signal to take caution. In reality, they might be just talking to themselves trying to overcome their fear and insecurities about their own shortcomings.” An old saying is:  Ya don't know who is swimming naked until the tide goes out!

Joans says—"How wonderful it is to have strong and loving family relationships. They’re not a given—but when nurtured, they’re one of life’s greatest gifts. It’s good to just not play but also enjoy deep talks and long walks.” I think we should just not talk about frivolous stuff but talk about important stuff; that is what seems to build strong friendships. Let’s talk!

Ever conversation has to have an end. Sometimes it is hard to end a conversation for some folks. They don’t know how to end it (i.e. close their mouth). It’s time to move on. This conversation is over—done!

Once a gentleman told me he was praying for his friend to remain quiet. “Why?” I asked. He whispered, “In silence, he looks wise, but when his mouth opens, foolishness comes out.” I hope he wasn’t talking about me or you!!!!!!

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--There is one thing you can give and still keep is our word.

y'cere

A lady down the street here in Yakima, WA told me--"Humor and joy contribute to my total well being." Y’cere, I agree with that.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it—"Recently as I was watching an interview with comedian and legendary talk show host Jay Leno, he commented about being a big believer in low self-esteem. He explained his perspective that if he begins to think he knows more than the next person, he is in trouble. Leno also observed that if we start to believe we know everything, that means we have decided to stop learning.” As soon as we start thinking that we are the smartest person in the room, we are inviting disaster. In the Bible, Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” In other words, pride always foretells destruction. I just hate that when writers write about me! Such is life. Y’cere baby and I don’t mean maybe!

I did the Bethel Bible Study taught by one of you and others of you did it with me—that was many years ago. One thing I remember is the overall principle that we are blessed to be a blessing!  RickyRick says—"We are blessed to be a blessing. God blesses us so that we can bless the people around us. Make it our goal each day to live for God’s kingdom, by his power and for his glory—not thinking about ourselves but thinking about the people around us.” Even if some of you are not believers, I think it’s a good principle to live by. Y’cere!

Memorial Day we honor the folks who have passed ahead of us, give them tribute. I went with Jeanne to put flowers on her parents’ graves. There was a large number of folks at this large cemetery. All markers were about a foot by 2 feet and flat. An acquaintance of Jeanne said that it just shows that when we die, we are all equal.  Her husband said—Betty, I think it’s more that it’s a lot easier to mow! I did learn something that I found quite neat; there were many Hispanics who were gathered at loved ones’ plots with lawn chairs, and they were having a memorial party with food and fellowship. I guess it’s their tradition. Y’cere, that’s a good idea! By the way, what do you think the saying on this person’s marker meant?

I was thinking about the word pyramid. When I do, I think of the pyramids in Egypt, Amway Company, and compound interest. What do you think of? They all start at a point and get bigger and bigger and bigger. I talk a lot about the great feeling of being loved and loving someone. If we do have this feeling, we are always searching for ways to express our love more and more and more which results in the pyramid effect. And then our relationship gets better and better and better. Now flip the pancake; if we turn the pyramids upside-down, all of those examples get less and less and less (i.e. crescendo to diminuendo)  Y’cere!

I said to Jeanne the other morning after she did something—Jeanne, you are just charming! The term “charming” refers to the quality of being very pleasant, attractive, or delightful. My opinion is that a charming person is very real, just plain who they are! They are not intimidated by others. I think I have seen people intimated by others recently who tried to be someone who they are not, fakes! It was not pretty in my mind (i.e. they looked and acted bad). I saw right through them. Flip the pancake, I also saw folks who were not intimidated by others and were just as real as real could be. Y’cere!

A friend told me—erv, plant righteousness and you will get a good heart; you get what you plant abundantly; erv, do right do right!  I had another friend tell me, “erv, you can’t tell the quality of life folks have by the size of their house or the car they drive!  You know that!” That sure seems to be good advice and great inspiration for me. I like to be around good folks. Y’cere!

Jeanne and I play golf each Monday at a city owned 9 hole executive course. It’s a walk in the park (i.e. a real blast). Jeanne is not a golfer, but I hit to the green and she putts. And besides it cost only $8 dollars. We have met some really great folks. Last week we played with a couple who were in their 40s. She was a dental hygienist and he owned a tattoo shop. We learned much about the tattoo business and the body piercing business. They were very nice folks. We both said that we would have never guessed he was in the tattoo business. Y’cere!

I met John, the receptionist who was 80 years old, who works 30 hours a month for the city. He worked for the state as an engineer of construction of highways and did a major road in WA. He retired and went to nursing school but got kicked out—why did they kick you out—I really don’t know as I was their best student; it might have been that I bossed the teachers around; I was rather a bossy person when I was an engineer—sooo then what did you do—well, I got another job as being another construction engineer but got fired—how come—they were doing the dumbest things and I couldn’t keep my mouth shut and corrected them maybe one toooo many times! Y’cere, I really enjoyed this guy. He invited me to join him in his church’s men group—I said ok—oh, that won’t work, we don’t meet in the summer!

In the movie Mission Impossible, a line was “Life is a sum of our choices.” You think that or not? I do; Y’cere! Did you enjoy the new movie? We went on $7 Tuesday! I have a Dutch ancestry! hahaha  During the movie, pictures were flashed on the screen  by the thousands it seemed about a second at a time (i.e. extremely fast moving; my mind had a hard time keeping up; they knew what they were doing with the effect). Soooo we are still looking for a church and it seems they all sing, as a friends says, the 7/11 songs. Songs that have 7 words that are sung 11 times. They act like I don't get it soooo they repeat the words 11 times. Those two concepts are complete opposite! After reading this, it will self-destruct in 5 seconds! Many of you won't remember any of it after 5 seconds anyway! hahaha

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans.

erv

MyDeceasedFrinedJean said—To have joy, one must share it.

insiGht

I had a day recently that I wasn’t especially looking forward to the activities planed. But that day brought me great insight that I did not expect. I would say it was mind boggling when I sat down early the next morning in my quiet and processed what I all learned. It was incredibly insightful. Much of what I learned seemed to make sense that I didn’t understand before. Happenstance, na, I don’t think soooo folks!

AI says--Insight is a profound and often sudden understanding of a complex situation or problem. It can come from personal reflection, unexpected events, or new experiences that challenge previously held beliefs. Insight brings clarity and a deeper comprehension of oneself and the world. This newfound awareness transforms how one perceives and interacts with their surroundings, leading to personal growth and enriched perspectives.

Sooooo, an experience seemed to open my eyes to opportunities, and my heart to others. I’m cautiously excited! I like opportunities soooo let’s see what happens. I didn’t plan this experience soooo I’m not planning how this will all play out. It’s beyond me (i.e. I will need major help with this). I’m just another bozo on the bus. I know that! RickyRick puts it in proper perspective for me—"A thousand years from today, if Earth is still spinning, there won’t be a Microsoft or a Hollywood scene. Most countries won’t even exist, because no earthly kingdom lasts forever. Even many of the things we love today will be gone.” Now that is hard for me to get my pee sized mind around!

Insight from the folks I play picklelball with—A lady said the reason she wasn’t playing very well was that she gets up at 5! Another gal asked her what in the world do you do at 5 in the morning—I just fart around! A guy said—I get up at 5 and and just fart around too. He said he always had a job or a business which forced him to get up early. But, at 3 in the afternoon, I’m shot; you can stick a fork in me! Another gal said she gets up many times at night and then goes back to bed; my sleeping pattern is erratic.

I like to occasionally go to Costco and have a hot dog. I just plain enjoy a hot dog and the experience of Costco. It is really fun for me. Hey, almost everyone enjoys a hotdog at Costco! SusieQ says—There is class and then there is classy class and then there is useful class! But ultimately, class is a timeless quality that reflects inner values and external expressions, making it a beacon of human decency and excellence. We ran into an old acquaintance of Jeanne and she described her as a classy lady. How do we define a classy person? MissPerfect says—I want class, how do I get it? Give me some insight, please.  Saturday question—Does WallyTheCat down the street have class? Soooo when eating my hotdog at Costco I met a couple who were classy, just plain classy, and they were eating a hotdog toooo! They said that they just plain enjoy a  Costco hot dog ever once in a while and just plain enjoy the atmosphere like I do. Sooooo there you go! We had just a great time together. Bingo! But the headline in the paper read--TSA reminder: Costco card isn't really Real ID card!

I wanted to do business with a certain company soooo Jeanne and I went in to talk to them. The office manager helped us who was a very neat, professional, personal gal who really knew her stuff. I asked her what her tattoo said on her arm—she explained it is part of her freedom, her freedom of being a free person after 17 years of being mentally and physically abused by her husband. She said it’s like a new life and told us her feelings. I asked her if she was a believer—she was but said she also believes in aliens, but I guess angels are sorta kinda aliens! She gave us some insight of being an abused person; we just can’t imagine that! Something quite interesting to us was that she became friends with folks of the Native American Nation and they really helped her exit this tough part of her life.

OrdinaryJane says--As I get older a.k.a. more mature it appears that a lot of the things on the rat race and the treadmill of live don’t matter as much to me and in some cases don’t matter at all. As a result, I seem to become freer from some of my expectations and don’t have to prove this or prove that. And in some cases, my age forces me; I have no choice, we just age out; we just can’t do it anymore. Maybe, just maybe, it is good to recognize that and move forward while understanding that. Maybe that’s a good insight! Could be! And what’s even worse is that many times we are forced by circumstances to change; we have no choice!  Such is life. Ouchy ouchy!

Got this text from our grandkids--Today Me and Easton were out playing pickle ball at the park by ourselves. An old couple came over and asked to play with us. Me and Easton aren’t very good but they still wanted to play a game with us and help teach us! It was a super amazing learning experience and we had a great time. They reminded me of you!

More insight from the folks I play pickleball with—I told them I was going to a funeral; it’s a friend of Jeanne. I didn’t know her and won’t know anyone there. Here’s the insight they told me—erv, just learn one line and use in on everyone—are you ready for it—I didn’t know BettySue but everything I heard about her was very good! erv, you just can’t go wrong with that line. Then go and eat the lunch!

I was reminded once again that I don’t know everything!  Maybe you might not like to hear this but you don’t know everything either no matter what you think!  hahaha  I also was reminded once again that two gifts that we can give folks are:  to be a good gift receiver (i.e. accept a gift graciously) and to give the people the gift of asking for their help (i.e. even if we think we know everything). This might be an insight, just maybe!  But what do I know! My mentor said to me many times—All people get better after they die! Soooo maybe people will think I will know more after I die! Could be! But I doubt it!

Aristotle said--"The whole is greater than the the sum of its parts" Sooooo I went to the grave side service and the celebration of life at a restaurant of Jeanne’s friend who she taught with for years.  The deceased was a member of a teaching staff with maybe a dozen or more of those teachers who were there who all taught together for many years at Knob Hill Elementary.. Jeanne introduced them to me. They all had a story; some sad, some happy, some a mess and others better. I actually learned a lot from this experience (i.e. a really great experience for me). It was a great opportunity for me to see the whole! Of course, Jeanne had a blast (i.e. after a while I sorta kinda got bored). I did have a conversation with a couple who I really enjoyed. We had a similar situation and had a very good, insightful conversation. I thought of a sticker I saw on a car when we were going down Yakima Ave on our way to the restaurant that said—I came I saw I left early! No no, I didn’t leave early but could of. You probably have been there; about sooo much and then enough is enough! But Jeanne couldn’t get enough of it! I was the only spouse of all those teachers there! I wonder why! hahaha I tell you what, I was not a part of the sum of the parts! hahaha

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--Either you run the day, or the day runs you.