He looked sooooooo stiff necked and old! Have you ever seen someone who you haven't seen for a long time (i.e. a coons age) and say to yourself, he sure looks old! Well here in the Valley, there are a lot of folks who wear their name tags with where they are from (i.e. like which park and their home state and sometimes town). I saw a guy the other day who's name looked familiar and he was from MN. Man did he look old. No way he was the guy who I went to high school with at good ol' Danube, MN. In high school this guy was one who all the girls uhhhhhhed and ahhhhhh over. He looks soooooo old now. Surely it's not the same guy. Soooooo I went to him and asked him if he was the same Vern Miller who attended Danube High in the 60s when I did. He looked at me for a long time and said he did go to Danube High during the 60s. He looked at me for some more and then said to me----What did you teach! Ouchy ouchy!
Talk about ol' and stiff necked! Our neighbors Jim and Karen (i.e. real folks with good hearts--my kind of folks) went with us to church. We got there a little late and this old guy was playing the piano on the stage. He was good. It was a Artist Series and it was The Music and Testimony of a Jew for Jesus"--Sam Rotman Concert Pianist it said in the bulletin. This guy was good. He paid classical music (i.e. all from memory). You might think I'm stiff necked but I like classical piano music). I thought this guy isn't going to play for a hour (i.e. a bit long for me). Well he played for a while and then gave his testimony. His family was from east Europe and except for his parents were all killed by the Nazis. His parents escaped to America and he was born soon after. He went to school but after school was sent to the Synagogue and studied the Old Testament and other Jewish stuff for 5 days a week for 8 years. He was very religious but very immoral and used bad language. He was deceptive (i.e. faker) but very religious. ANYWAY he went to the Julliard School of Music and practiced 10 hours a day (i.e. he said not 9 hours and 45 minutes but 10 hours every day). I practice my putting for 15 minutes each day and think I should be good! Some of his fellow students were Christian and suggested he read the New Testament, start with John. He did and was touched like he was never touched before. He become a moral person and his bad language disappeared. He was cleaned from the inside out 'cause he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. He has done 2,200 concerts in 58 countries and promotes Jesus. He said that his music is important but Jesus is more important. Wow! Sam said he was 62!!!!! I surely don't look that old, do I? http://samrotman.com/index.html
OneSmartFrined says--When pie is served, take it! It might not be served tomorrow folks. On the bulletin board of Cardiac Rehab at Prairie Heart is this prayer: Dear God, For 2011 I ask for a big, thick bank account and a slim thin body. Please keep them straight. Last year you got them switched around. Amen MissPerfect says--God, that''s sooooooo simple that even a stuff necked adult can figure it out.
Our neighbor Sonney walked over the other afternoon (i.e. Arlene and I were sitting in the front yard late in the afternoon drinking our wine). He told us that he's a jerk at times. Oh ya, I can relate to that. I'm a jerk sometimes. I don't want to be but I am (i.e. real stiff necked). I'm reading Psalms Now by Leslie F. Brandt for part of my devotions for 2011. In Psalm 28 it says--O God, I am crying for help-! This is not a pious exclamation--I meant it! I'm desperate! If You don't listen, I'll go down the drain!...And thus the Lord is the Hope and Salvation of all who trust in Him. Stay close to those who struggle, O God, never let them go. I like that. What do you think?
The best bumper sticker I have seen in the Valley (i.e. it was on a MN car)--At my age getting lucky is finding my car in the parking lot! I was coming back from playing pickleball with my childhood friend Dean and his two friends (i.e. really some nice guys). I saw the best billboard--Dear Nose, I haven't seen you for a while. Sincerely, Toes (i.e. an ad for Mountain Fitness Center). It make me laugh! Joesixpack says--Quit your boos, and hisses! C'mon folks, don't be sooooooo stiff necked.
I went to the Ping Factory for their tour with 3 buddies. Ping had no sign at their plant (i.e. world headquarters); you could hardly find it. The buildings were original buildings form in the 70s and were just converted over to the factory (i.e. very modest). We had to ask where the tour was--no directions at all. It was in a converted office of a lumber yard. This company doesn't appear stiff necked at all (i.e. my opinion). Their philosophy was/is--quality. They handle every club like it's the only one they are making today (i.e. very impressive). The employees really like working their (i.e. I read this somewhere and I asked maybe 10 employees and they all said they really liked their jobs). The employees do 4 jobs each day (i.e. switch at breaks). Ping's quality control is their employees (i.e. they all can do the jobs and know the product very well and watch each other). Huh, interesting.
The guys I play golf with on Monday are really something all right. One guy is GreatGuyKim, age 71. He loves golf and is a good golfer but probably was much better in his prime. I asked for his business card--It reads--Kip Pinkerton, Sports Psychiatrist "Specializing in golf related mental disorders" 50 year practice. And Dave is also a good golfer who loves the game and was probably better in his prime than he is now (i.e. Dave's the guy with the artificial hip that squeaks). I think both were scratch golfers back then. ANYWAY Dave says he doesn't give a rats...when doesn't shoot as good score as he would like. Life is tooooo short. These guys are not jack wagons but royal flushes (i.e. great to around). My Wednesday golfin' buddies are something toooooo! WayneTheCannuck said after missing a 3 foot putt--Ymppin'J'esus! I said--what's that, I never heard that before--where you been all your life erv (i.e. obviously not in ThunderBay). KenTheGovernment guy had a bracelet on with some magnets on. He did some experiments with me and it seemed to help my flexibility and balance. He says they really work http://www.pureenergyband.com/ Now how can I compete with these guys anyway. On the 7th tee box we talked about how many times we had to get up and pee during the night. I think I was the lease with none to one. I think the most was 3 to 4 but one guy said his wife gets up 10 times. I learn sooooooo much and I don't have to pay for any of it! Such is life.
ItchieBitchie was in a bank here in AZ when a robber came in with a mask on and told the teller to fill his bag with money. One of the customers pulled up his mask and the robber shot him dead. He then asked if anyone else saw his face? Everyone shock their heads no. Then IthcieBitchie said--My wife did! Ouchy ouchy!
It's either they were tooooo stiff necked or I was toooooo loose necked. I don't know! I had a group interview to be a volunteer at the Bannor Health. There were maybe 20 folks interviewed at the same time. I wore my golfing shorts, shirt, cap, and an old pair of tennies that I wore for the Ping tour in the morning. The other 19 were pretty dressed up (i.e. the guy next to me had on a white shirt and a tie). ANYWAY after listening to most of them, I realized they all needed this job for one reason or another (i.e. career change, students in college, or change of life plans). I don't need this job; I just wanted to help someone. If they don't want me, I'll help someone else. This attitude could be heard in how different folks answered questions (i.e. I think it was transparent). MyDaddyChester use to tell me--erv, if you can loose the deal (i.e. don't have to have it), you are a much better negotiator! Such is life.
The opportunity just fell in my lap! I most often putt for about 15 minutes late each afternoon at the Fountain of the Sun Country Club. Soooooooo last Saturday I went to do just that. I putted a few and noticed that there was a young lady also putting quite close to me. Young in being about 23 or so (i.e. not stiff necked and old). I asked her if she wanted to have a putting contest with me--sure--so we putted a couple holes and talked more (i.e. her putting was almost as sweet as she was--SWEET! She was Kirby Dreher from Cananda who plays on the Future Tournament just blow the LPGA (i.e. just goggle her). She qualified for the U.S. Open and also the Canadian Open last year. She's living with her grandma and practicing before the tour of 14 events starts. Each of those events cost $500 to enter. Soooooo do your parents have a lot of money--no not really--sooooo isn't that hard--yes it is; we travel together and stay in private homes at the events. Sooooo do you have a sponsor--not really; I would like one; are you rich?--no no! Sooooo folks if you want an opportunity, here you go. She is the nicest girl. We putted some more and set up a tee time to play together this last week. I got a couple of my golf buddies and we all played from the men's tees (i.e. 6,200+). She whooped us all. I know she has three fans who will follow her future (i.e. she is a gal who we all want to do well). Wish you the best Kirby!
JorBlow says--Don't be a usetobe but be a beer! Remember, to give a warm hug to those close to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart freely. Say, "I love you" to your loved ones, but most of all mean it. Hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there. Give time to love, time to share the precious thoughts in your mind and remember to forgive no matter how bad the hurt. Sooooooooo folks, throw those chips away, get your butt of the couch and do it! Such is life.
Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:
erv
MyFriendJeans says--Joy is not in things but in us.
January 29, 2011
January 22, 2011
Refresh
At the top of my gmail account there is a word "refresh". It, I think, it refreshes my inbox messages. It makes it current, up to date, at the moment, renews, restores, replenishes, revives. Now someone had to come up with that word when they put gmail together. I wonder who it was and why that person or persons picked "refresh". Maybe it's like picking the name of Secretariat for Secretariat! If you watched the movie, well, then you know how Secretariat got his name Secretariat. Why am I named Ervin. I really don't know for sure but Chester and Anna had their reasons! What more can I say.
It's refreshing to see something different all right! Who in the world would want to do what this guy is doing? A guy must have to be crazy or something to want to do that. This guy was on the corner of Power and Broadway "waving" as they call it for some tax preperation company. He was dressed up as the Statue of Liberty carring a sign that points to the Liberty Tax. Now you don't see that in Aplington, Iowa folks. Such is life.
Arlene and I went for a nice, long hike the other day. It was a very refreshing hike 'cause of our conversation. We discussed real stuff; stuff that we haven't really talked about before. Stuff that is very important. Stuff that affect our life in a very real way. It was like pushing the refresh button. Soooooo Randy and Pete said some stuff to me at ping pong the next day that refreshed the refresh (i.e. very much related to Arlene and my conversation). They had no idea that the refresh button was pushed again. Now only if I can stay refreshed and not become stagnant. Time will tell.
It's sooooooo refreshing to know that God is in charge of this world and my life. It's confusing but refreshing folks. I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half of banana on it -- Sometimes life does not make sense. God had promised David that he would be king of Israel; instead, he found himself hiding in a cave in the wilderness. “The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life –men without regard for you, he cried” (Psalm 86:14).
Some how, some way it will be refreshed. AZ is struggling with it's budget (i.e. like most states and our nation). Sooooooooo what's new. It will be renovated 'cause it's to a point that it can't continue this way (i.e. I always say that it's got to get real bad before anything will change (i.e. face reality). It says in the paper--Gov. Jan Brewer $8.9 billion plan closes a deficit that she projects at $1.15 billion for fiscal 2012 and does it withoutr raising general taxes. But her plan hinges on the federal government's permission to drop 280,000 people from state health-care rolls (i.e. many being the mentally ill) and depends on additional borrowing and other gimmicks like cut university budget by $170 million and many other non-poplular cuts. Of course the opinions are all different depending how it affects each person--some say it's very good and must be done--othrers say it would extend AZ's recession well beyond the rest of the country; it's a job killer. Soooo what will be done? We'll find out if it's bad enough yet. MyDaddyChester alsways said--You can't spend more than you make; either you need to make more money or cut your spending. That sounds sooooooo simple and refreshing but...!
Ken a.k.a. the big kahuna from Northern MN worked for the government. He was in charge of setting the radar systems for the torpedoes. Now that is impressive. He knows about everything. He's a Catholic and told me that last Sunday at St. Timothy's there was almost a full band and the Priest told a joke. He said it was refreshing. Huh, interesting. Do you think change is more difficult for folks who have not traveled, had less education, and lived in one area for all their life? What do you think?
Being refreshed can be different things to different folks at different times that is for sure. Refreshing can be a good hot shower after working hard; a sit in the hot tub at sunset after a long hike, or a good meal with friends. We had a unique dinner with friends recently. We drove to Cave Creek and ate at Buffalo Chips. It's a cowboy place. After we got done, we went out back and watched live bull riding. We sat behind a cowboy (i.e. he had on a cowboy hat and a rodeo jacket). We were wondering how they judged bull riding. He turned around and told us there are two judges who give maximum of 25 points to the bull and 25 points to the rider (i.e. a bull that spins gets more points). Soooo, are you a bull rider--no, I'm a team roper--Cave Creek is the main place ropers come form all over to rope in the winter; I live just over the hill--sooooooo do you make your living roping--no no, I'm an architect during the week; very few rodeo guys make a living by just being in rodeos; there is a saying in rodeo business that to be successful in the rodeo business you have to have a woman who has a job in town--I bet there aren't many architect/ropers around--one! It was a refreshing night.
Had the opportunity to play golf with a couple of new guys this week at Dobson Ranch Golf Course. I really enjoyed their company. I think I really impressed them as I wore my Ashworth wind breaker for the first two holes backwards (i.e. and it had a V-front) so it wasn't that hard to figure out)! Oh boy--they just laughed when I told 'em; they didn't even notice. Sooooo when I get up in the morning, my knees creak and crack (i.e. it's normal). One of the guys had a squeak when he swung or put his tee in the ground. It's from his artificial hip. He is a good golfer but told me that he always does better on the back 9 'cause he drinks some beers to relax. After his beers, he did do better on the back! He also said that most folks play the first few holes pretty slow but after about 4 holes they realize that they aren't as good as they think (i.e. play their normal game). Then they say the heck with it and just hit the ball and then they pick up their speed (i.e. that is just what happened to the folks ahead of us). It was a very refreshing day. Got home and sat in the hot tub. Some of you ask how much do you have to pay to play golf in the Valley. Dobson Ranch Golf Course is a municipal course (i.e. voted the best in the Valley). It cost us $29 to play 18 walking (i.e. probably one of the cheaper ones). Most of the courses are struggling financially (i.e. tooooooo many courses and many folks aren't willing to pay massive huge green fees). I read in the paper (i.e. their add) sooooo it must be right that you can play the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course before the pros come in a week and play in the Phoenix Open for $199 which regularly is $299 it says. Sooooo even the big boys are cutting their fees. Such is life.
We listened to ThePastor Sunday. He was very refreshing. He said we are really something; we think God loves us when he gives us what we want and when he doesn't, he doesn't love us. He loves us; he loves us not. Soooooo how can God give you all what you ask for. Pay attention to what you pray for. It's almost a joke sometimes. Joesixpack says--It's so refreshing when someone lifts us up a.k.a rescues us or saves us! My deceased neighbor George use to say to me--Satin's greatest tool is discouragement. Saturday question--Are you a refresher a.k.a an encourager? A friend told me that his brother worked in a factory. Management would reward punctuality and attendance with time off (i.e. it really worked). Before they would punish employees for tartness and lack of attendance (i.e. it didn't work). So what does that tell you employers, parents, motivators, encouragers?!
LuckieEddie says--A good night's sleep is soooooooo refreshing. A TX friend says--If you have a clear conscience, you 'll sleep well. This guy gets up at 5 or earlier every morning. I don't know what time he goes to bed. On Satuarday mornings, he washes the windows and washes the cars before 8. I have a Canuck friend who gets up at 5 every morning too. Sooooo what do you do at 5--I get the neighbor's paper (i.e. he sleeps in and then I return it to his drive after I read it), go and pick a orange off the other neighbor's tree, eat breakfast and then go to Home Depot and talk to the guys--oh, I see! He says he goes to bed at 8 to 8:30 and takes a nap every afternoon! I have never been a morning person and probably never will. I have a friend who wants to be a morning person. Some folks change because of necessity and some 'cause they want too. Sooooo are you a morning person? I use to be a night person but now I'm not either. But I sleep well! Must have a clear conscience!!!!
MissPerfect says--I held a moment in my hand, brilliant as a star, fragile as a flower, a tiny sliver of one hour. I dripped it carelessly, Ah! I didn't know, I held opportunity. Oh those opportunities. Here today gone tomorrow and many times never seen again. If you have never experienced something, then how do you know much about it. Soooooooooo who is that crazy guy on the street corner anyway? It was refreshing to be a waver!!!! If you never did it, how can you judge? Liberty Tax is close to the DQ so I walked in there eating my Dilly bar and asked the manager what my possibility would be to be a waver for them--so you want to be hired--sorta kinda but I really don't care if I get paid--your changes are good--sooooo when can I do it--how about next Tuesday at 1--good, I'll be there. End of conversation. So Tuesday at 1 I showed up and they dressed me up. What a hoot. It was refreshing. The folks driving by were really quite nice. About half waved and smiled. Sarah who works at T Mobil was crossing the street to go to the bank. When she returned she brought me a bottle of water. Sarah was pretty and nice (i.e. that's a good combination folks). I thought I was good but Donald replaced me (i.e. he does this every day as his job and gets paid $9 a hour he told me). He had many more moves. Dave the manager told me that this "waving" is the best form of advertising and also the the most cost efficient. They chart their customers as to why they have Liberty Tax prepare their return. The sign waver is #1. Such is life in the Valley!
Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:
survinervin
MyFriendJean says--Pick you friends but not to pieces!
Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:
survinervin
MyFriendJean says--Pick you friends but not to pieces!
January 15, 2011
When I don't pay attention
I get into trouble ‘cause I don’t pay attention. Yes I do. I was hiking on Silly Mt. the other day. Silly Mt. is close, about a 3 mile hike, it takes me less than an a hour, and I just sorta kinda enjoy it (i.e. it's my excercise mt. hike). The internet says it’s a 1.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 hike. ANYWAY I was looking down, thinking, and not paying attention. I went right by my normal trail—fork in the trail. Except for a short trial, I actually ended up doing the hike backwards than I normally do. You know what? The trail, landscape, and beauty really looked different doing it from a different direction. Maybe I need to look at my life backwards sometimes. Maybe it might have a different look tooooooo! You think sooooooo? Oh ya, a MN guy on Silly Mt. said to me--Isn't it great to sweat in January!
ItchieBitchie says--Sooooooooooo PAYATTENTION! "If you miss out on what you've paid for, life won't give you your money back." We've all paid for the class of life. The minute the doctor eased our heads out of our mother's womb, we got a full scholarship. Your joy is all paid for. Your adventure is all paid for. Your tingles, thrills, and exciting moments of discovering every wonder imaginable are all paid for. We are all students in the class of life. Some of us will get more out of it than others. Some will nod off and miss most of what life has to offer. Some will cut class and leave early, never to return. Some will get distracted and miss the main points. Others will soak it in, learn, grow, and glow. There are those that will get more than their money's worth, every minute in every class in an ever-unfolding adventure. Another group spend their time watching a clock that freezes motionless like a shy freckled faced girl when eyes fall upon her and stare. You are in class, get all that you can. If you miss out, You won't get your money back. Soooooooo let’s get going, we’re burning daylight here folks!!!!!
When other folks don’t pay attention, usually they have trouble too. I got some new tires at Apache Sands. I was in the waiting area with several other folks. They all left except a lady and I. She came over and we started talking. She was getting her car’s oil changed and a couple of tires. She told me she and her husband were snow birds from IA for about 10 years and then sold their house and bought a double wide in a 55+ community. We talked some about the Suns (i.e. she was very knowelegeable—I was surprised). It has been a tough few years for her she told me. She had a double mastectomy and her husband had colon cancer. He went through surgery, chemotherapy, and then died of complications. Many of us have seen that and some of us multiple times. She said being widowed is harder than she thought (i.e. many of you can understand that). It’s sorta kinda like what Bruce a.k.a. a Secretariat said to me when we hiked to the top of Camel Back (i.e. my 5th time and Bruce's 1st)—What do you think Bruce?—It was harder than I thought it would be. I asked her if here husband believed in Jesus as his Lord and Saviour? She said he was a born again believer at the age of 78 (i.e. under new management). He always went to church but never really got it. Then one day he called me and was “ohsooooooexcited”. He told me he was saved. What happened she asked—our new neighbor came over and talked to me and “Bingo”! She told me that she misses him a lot. Their 55+ community had a memorial service last Sunday for all those who died from the park the last year during their park’s church service—21 died out of about 400. Ouchy ouchy! She said she cried once again. Can any of you relate to any of this? I think so folks. Sooooooooo folks, pay attention! Live is just a shadow!
If I don’t pay attention I can get myself in a big hole which is hard to get out. A hole as big as the one behind us here in the picture (i.e. a massive huge hole). Soooooooooooo pay attention folks. Talk about holes; Jacob was our check out at Fry's Grocery the other day. Jacob was maybe 22 and had holes in his ears with rings inside of them. Sorta kinda like what the Africans do. The holes which the rings supported were about half an inch in diameter. Soooooooo I said—Jacob, are those really holes in your ears—sure are (i.e. he took out one of the blue support bushing rings and showed us)—wow, did you punch big holes in your ears that big—no, no, you start with a pin hole and keep stretching them—oh I said. Such is life.
When Bruce and I hiked Camel Back we noticed that there were a lot of babes on the trail. We decided it was ‘cause of the Oregon/Auburn game (i.e. a lot of college gals and guys). Bruce said I was the oldest guy we saw on the hike. Maybe most older folks pay more attention and do something easier. I don’t know. We pay attention all right! When in Sodona and at the Grand Canyon, we noticed that we saw one Oregon fan to ever 10 Auburn fans. Why that was we don’t know. There were a lot of fans up there. ANYWAY that is why they like those bowl games in AZ (i.e. those folks go all over and spend $$$$$). On top of Camel Back we talked to two guys from Israel. They were maybe late 20s or so. They said most everyone in Israel likes the United States. I asked them if they were Christians or Muslims? No no, we are Jews (i.e. I guess that makes sense--da!). So you don't believe Jesus is the Messiah then? Oh, we aren't very religious, we were just born Jews. Sooooooo, when is that war going to stop over there--they have been fighting for 2,000 years and they will probably fight for another 3,000 years they said (i.e. that doesn't sound promising folks).
That gal at Apache Sands told me that she is sooooooo happy that her husband left her with enough money to live. She said some of her friends and family have to move in with their kids as they can’t afford to live alone (i.e. she said her sister only makes $900 a month and had to do that). WayneTheCanuck, a guy who I golf with, told me (i.e. he read in the paper so it must be right) that 13% of parents have to move in with their kids. I emailed our son and told him what we were all doing (i.e. living the life of Riley) and told him about the 13% of parents moving in with their kids---soooooo son, hold the spare bedroom for us)! Our son's response was-- maybe you should start saving a little more $$ per your last comment below. ;) Zippet-do-da, zippety-yah!!!! Oh ya, when at Apache Sands, I talked to the manager who is also a golfer. He said he was a tire technician for years but now the manager. He said he skinned up his knuckles many times when he wasn’t paying attention. Huh, interesting.
When I pay attention to what folks say who did something before, it usually works a lot better. When we were at the Grand Canyon and standing at the top of Angle Trail, two gals came up the trail from the bottom. We asked them—how was it—they said, TERRIBLE! They looked like they were going to die. I don’t think they had PPP a.k.a. proper prior planning. I had the opportunity to do it maybe 5 years ago and yes, it’s no cupcake folks. But you got to have PPP. I have communicated with a guy here in the Valley who gave me his blog of his training and hike. If any of you have hiked the Canyon or plan to, you might enjoy his blog. Pay attention to it!!!!! http://canyonwonders.blogspot.com/
These guys were paying attention all right. Remember folks, it’s all driven by $$$$$! Three guys were fishing on a lake one day, when Jesus walked across the water and joined them in the boat. When the three astonished men had settled down enough to speak, the first guy asked humbly, "Jesus, I've suffered from back pain ever since I took shrapnel in the Viet Nam war. Could you help me?" "Of course my son," Jesus said. When Jesus touched the man's back, the man felt relief for the first time in years. The second man, who wore very thick glasses and had a hard time reading and driving, asked if Jesus could do anything about his eyesight. Jesus smiled, removed the man's glasses and tossed them in the lake. When the glasses hit the water, the man's eyes cleared and he could see everything distinctly. When Jesus turned to heal the third man, the guy put his hands up and cried defensively, "Don't touch me! I'm on long-term disability."
AverageJoe says--Ya gotta pay attention erv and appreciate life; you are one lucky dog a.k.a Riley! Another Secretariat sent me this statement--...Do you think when social security was implemented that anyone ever dreamed people would be using their check to play golf in AZ during the cold Iowa winters? – I suspect not – and hope not. You’re one of the lucky ones Erv and most importantly (I think) you are smart enough to recognize it. Enjoy!
GeorgeTheCrook says—Usually when a guy doesn’t pay attention, stuff happens. The stuff is usually bad! MissPerfect says—If I do my homework (i.e. pay attention) life seems to go much better. Well for me, if I get cocky, get toooooo aggressive or not aggressive enough, don’t ask questions, think I know everything, become pre-occupied, I have problems ‘cause I don’t pay attention. But I’m a guy!
It has taken me some time to get use to riding bike on the streets here in the Valley. Most streets have bike lanes but even with that, it's scary for me when folks are driving their car at 45 mph a couple of feet from ya. I really try to pay attention but I can't control the actions of someone else. I ride right in the traffic when I want to turn etc. ANYWAY I was riding to Sun Life 55+ community to play ping pong with the boys. A gal was on a bike on the sidewalk and asked me to stop as I was in the bike lane. She said some guy was stalking her in a car. What? Ya he keeps turning around and I'm scared. May I ride with you--sure--guys are weird and scary--hey, I'm a guy--yabut you aren't! Now how does she know that? I think it was 'cause I had my ping pong paddle strapped to the back of my bike (i.e. now that is something you see a lot of folks--real normal I bet she thought). I bet that was it! She just paid attention to that. I wonder if she was legitimate or mentally ill or just a gal? Such is life.
Their are a lot of snowbirds from Canada down here in the Valley. Oh ya! His & Hers Diaries - A True Canadian Story (i.e. I think these folks were from Thunder Bay)--HER DIARY Tonight, I thought my husband was acting weird. We had made plans to meet at a bar to have a drink. I was shopping with my friends all day long, so I thought he was upset at the fact that I was a bit late, but he made no comment on it. Conversation wasn't flowing, so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk. He agreed, but he didn't say much. I asked him what was wrong. He said, 'Nothing.' I asked him if it was my fault that he was upset. He said he wasn't upset, that it had nothing to do with me, and not to worry about it. On the way home, I told him that I loved him. He smiled slightly, and kept driving. I can't explain his behavior. I don't know why he didn't say, 'I love you, too.' When we got home, I felt as if I had lost him completely, as if he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. He just sat there quietly, and watched TV. He continued to seem distant and absent. Finally, with silence all around us, I decided to go to bed. About 15 minutes later, he came to bed. To my surprise, he responded to my caress, and we made love. But I still felt that he was distracted, and his thoughts were somewhere else. He fell asleep - I cried. I don't know what to do. I'm almost sure that his thoughts are with someone else. My life is a disaster. HIS DIARY My Snowmobile wouldn't start today, but at least I got...!
Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:
erv
MyFriendJean says--Laughter is the sunlight of the soul!
PS—Here is something that helped a friend. He says it’s really good. Sooooooo pay attention.
http://lifehacker.com/5725282/how-to-create-and-stick-to-a-realistic-budget-with-mint
ItchieBitchie says--Sooooooooooo PAYATTENTION! "If you miss out on what you've paid for, life won't give you your money back." We've all paid for the class of life. The minute the doctor eased our heads out of our mother's womb, we got a full scholarship. Your joy is all paid for. Your adventure is all paid for. Your tingles, thrills, and exciting moments of discovering every wonder imaginable are all paid for. We are all students in the class of life. Some of us will get more out of it than others. Some will nod off and miss most of what life has to offer. Some will cut class and leave early, never to return. Some will get distracted and miss the main points. Others will soak it in, learn, grow, and glow. There are those that will get more than their money's worth, every minute in every class in an ever-unfolding adventure. Another group spend their time watching a clock that freezes motionless like a shy freckled faced girl when eyes fall upon her and stare. You are in class, get all that you can. If you miss out, You won't get your money back. Soooooooo let’s get going, we’re burning daylight here folks!!!!!
When Bruce and I hiked Camel Back we noticed that there were a lot of babes on the trail. We decided it was ‘cause of the Oregon/Auburn game (i.e. a lot of college gals and guys). Bruce said I was the oldest guy we saw on the hike. Maybe most older folks pay more attention and do something easier. I don’t know. We pay attention all right! When in Sodona and at the Grand Canyon, we noticed that we saw one Oregon fan to ever 10 Auburn fans. Why that was we don’t know. There were a lot of fans up there. ANYWAY that is why they like those bowl games in AZ (i.e. those folks go all over and spend $$$$$). On top of Camel Back we talked to two guys from Israel. They were maybe late 20s or so. They said most everyone in Israel likes the United States. I asked them if they were Christians or Muslims? No no, we are Jews (i.e. I guess that makes sense--da!). So you don't believe Jesus is the Messiah then? Oh, we aren't very religious, we were just born Jews. Sooooooo, when is that war going to stop over there--they have been fighting for 2,000 years and they will probably fight for another 3,000 years they said (i.e. that doesn't sound promising folks).
That gal at Apache Sands told me that she is sooooooo happy that her husband left her with enough money to live. She said some of her friends and family have to move in with their kids as they can’t afford to live alone (i.e. she said her sister only makes $900 a month and had to do that). WayneTheCanuck, a guy who I golf with, told me (i.e. he read in the paper so it must be right) that 13% of parents have to move in with their kids. I emailed our son and told him what we were all doing (i.e. living the life of Riley) and told him about the 13% of parents moving in with their kids---soooooo son, hold the spare bedroom for us)! Our son's response was-- maybe you should start saving a little more $$ per your last comment below. ;) Zippet-do-da, zippety-yah!!!! Oh ya, when at Apache Sands, I talked to the manager who is also a golfer. He said he was a tire technician for years but now the manager. He said he skinned up his knuckles many times when he wasn’t paying attention. Huh, interesting.
When I pay attention to what folks say who did something before, it usually works a lot better. When we were at the Grand Canyon and standing at the top of Angle Trail, two gals came up the trail from the bottom. We asked them—how was it—they said, TERRIBLE! They looked like they were going to die. I don’t think they had PPP a.k.a. proper prior planning. I had the opportunity to do it maybe 5 years ago and yes, it’s no cupcake folks. But you got to have PPP. I have communicated with a guy here in the Valley who gave me his blog of his training and hike. If any of you have hiked the Canyon or plan to, you might enjoy his blog. Pay attention to it!!!!! http://canyonwonders.blogspot.com/
These guys were paying attention all right. Remember folks, it’s all driven by $$$$$! Three guys were fishing on a lake one day, when Jesus walked across the water and joined them in the boat. When the three astonished men had settled down enough to speak, the first guy asked humbly, "Jesus, I've suffered from back pain ever since I took shrapnel in the Viet Nam war. Could you help me?" "Of course my son," Jesus said. When Jesus touched the man's back, the man felt relief for the first time in years. The second man, who wore very thick glasses and had a hard time reading and driving, asked if Jesus could do anything about his eyesight. Jesus smiled, removed the man's glasses and tossed them in the lake. When the glasses hit the water, the man's eyes cleared and he could see everything distinctly. When Jesus turned to heal the third man, the guy put his hands up and cried defensively, "Don't touch me! I'm on long-term disability."
AverageJoe says--Ya gotta pay attention erv and appreciate life; you are one lucky dog a.k.a Riley! Another Secretariat sent me this statement--...Do you think when social security was implemented that anyone ever dreamed people would be using their check to play golf in AZ during the cold Iowa winters? – I suspect not – and hope not. You’re one of the lucky ones Erv and most importantly (I think) you are smart enough to recognize it. Enjoy!
GeorgeTheCrook says—Usually when a guy doesn’t pay attention, stuff happens. The stuff is usually bad! MissPerfect says—If I do my homework (i.e. pay attention) life seems to go much better. Well for me, if I get cocky, get toooooo aggressive or not aggressive enough, don’t ask questions, think I know everything, become pre-occupied, I have problems ‘cause I don’t pay attention. But I’m a guy!
It has taken me some time to get use to riding bike on the streets here in the Valley. Most streets have bike lanes but even with that, it's scary for me when folks are driving their car at 45 mph a couple of feet from ya. I really try to pay attention but I can't control the actions of someone else. I ride right in the traffic when I want to turn etc. ANYWAY I was riding to Sun Life 55+ community to play ping pong with the boys. A gal was on a bike on the sidewalk and asked me to stop as I was in the bike lane. She said some guy was stalking her in a car. What? Ya he keeps turning around and I'm scared. May I ride with you--sure--guys are weird and scary--hey, I'm a guy--yabut you aren't! Now how does she know that? I think it was 'cause I had my ping pong paddle strapped to the back of my bike (i.e. now that is something you see a lot of folks--real normal I bet she thought). I bet that was it! She just paid attention to that. I wonder if she was legitimate or mentally ill or just a gal? Such is life.
Their are a lot of snowbirds from Canada down here in the Valley. Oh ya! His & Hers Diaries - A True Canadian Story (i.e. I think these folks were from Thunder Bay)--HER DIARY Tonight, I thought my husband was acting weird. We had made plans to meet at a bar to have a drink. I was shopping with my friends all day long, so I thought he was upset at the fact that I was a bit late, but he made no comment on it. Conversation wasn't flowing, so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk. He agreed, but he didn't say much. I asked him what was wrong. He said, 'Nothing.' I asked him if it was my fault that he was upset. He said he wasn't upset, that it had nothing to do with me, and not to worry about it. On the way home, I told him that I loved him. He smiled slightly, and kept driving. I can't explain his behavior. I don't know why he didn't say, 'I love you, too.' When we got home, I felt as if I had lost him completely, as if he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. He just sat there quietly, and watched TV. He continued to seem distant and absent. Finally, with silence all around us, I decided to go to bed. About 15 minutes later, he came to bed. To my surprise, he responded to my caress, and we made love. But I still felt that he was distracted, and his thoughts were somewhere else. He fell asleep - I cried. I don't know what to do. I'm almost sure that his thoughts are with someone else. My life is a disaster. HIS DIARY My Snowmobile wouldn't start today, but at least I got...!
Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:
erv
MyFriendJean says--Laughter is the sunlight of the soul!
PS—Here is something that helped a friend. He says it’s really good. Sooooooo pay attention.
http://lifehacker.com/5725282/how-to-create-and-stick-to-a-realistic-budget-with-mint
January 8, 2011
Recalculate
Disclaimer—If you don’t like what I’m writing about, just tell me to take a hike! I like to hike; do it almost every day. ANYWAY this last week one day I was really frustrated. I took a long tough hike, hot tubed and I was no longer frustrated (i.e. recalculated). Such is life.
Emotions--I have them all right. I always don’t show them (i.e. depress them). I have some emotions of joy and some emotions of sorrow. I sometimes don’t show either or both. It depends on my emotions! Yabut CadillacJack says--Each of us makes his own weather, determines the color of the skies in the emotional universe which he inhabits. Soooooo if I’m understanding your correctly CadillacJack, you are saying I have something to do with my emotions? Are you saying my attitude has a lot to do with my emotions and my life? Soooooo are you saying when I get sorta kinda cranky, I need to recalculate my attitude?
I sometime wonder if folks really care about other folks’ emotions (i.e. good or not soooooo good emotions). I don’t know. But then someone shows a little interest in ya (i.e. sorta kinda unexpected) and then I think maybe some folks do care (i.e. recalculated). When someone does something a little extra, something special, or does something out of the ordinary, then I think, wow, folks really do care about other folks (i.e. like send a special gift, make your favorite Christmas treat (i.e. Heather made my Dingo Balls), or call you unexpected). Saturday question—When was the last time you gave a gift anonymously?
My mentor tells me—Nothing is as good as it looks or as bad as it looks. I think he’s right about that. Many times we don’t know everything about other folks. In fact, I wonder if we know very much about the emotions of others we are around (i.e. what are they thinking). I look at some of these folks here in the Valley and just think everything looks so hunky doory. Then I spend some time around them and find out it isn’t (i.e. recalculated). No one would ever know. Flip the pancake—Many of these senior citizens are very talented. You would never know that until you get to know them and their emotions. Such is life.
There is soooooooo much that I don’t understand! There seems to be soooooooo much that needs to be fixed (i.e. and I can’t fix it). Do I sound confused? I am folks; yes I am; I am confused a lot! I think the world will always be confusing to everyone. That’s just the way it is. I think I’ll go and take a hike! When I’m confused I like to take a hike. Yes I do. David said one time—I will mediate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. Yep, that is what he said. LuckieEddie says--The practical spiritual disciplines like solitude, stillness, listening for God are the tools with which we dig furrows in the heart to train us for recognizing God’s presence. And it is that Presence which abides with us in our “besieged cities.”
Senior snowbirds here in the Valley have young minds but have old bodies. Does that confuse you young folks? It might. I was pulling out of our gated 55+ community onto Broadway to do a hike on New Years Day. I had a red light and the car ahead of me, pulling out too, was a new Volvo convertible. On the MN license plate bracket it said—I go topless sometimes! When the light turned green, I sped up next to her to see who was driving. It was a senior female snowbird all right. Now I’m confused—was she talking about the car or her or both! I will never know! Such is life.
The clock is ticking folks! Here in the Valley there are a lot of good folks (i.e. no surprise). Older folks seem to appreciate things more and don’t take things soooooo much for granite it seems. Joesixpack says—Don’t take life for granite; many times we don’t appreciate folks and stuff until it’s taken away from us. Do you really appreciate what you have? I hope so. Such is life.
A widowed MN snowbird went back home for the holidays and had dinner at her son’s place. She was confused and suspicious! Her son had a female roommate Maria. During the course of the evening, she couldn't help but notice how pretty Anthony's roommate was. She had long been suspicious of a relationship between the two, and this had only made her more curious. Over the course of the evening, while watching the two interact, she started to wonder if there was more between Anthony and his roommate than met the eye. Reading his mom's thoughts, Anthony volunteered, 'I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you, Maria and I are just roommates'. About a week later, Maria came to Anthony saying, 'Ever since your mother came to dinner, I've been unable to find the silver sugar bowl. You don't suppose she took it, do you?' Old folks can get confused some times. Well, I doubt it, but I'll email her, just to be sure.' So he sat down and wrote: Dear Mama, I'm not saying that you 'did' take the sugar bowl from my house; I'm not saying that you 'did not' take it. But the fact remains that it has been missing ever since you were here for dinner. Love, Anthony Several days later, Anthony received a response email from his Mama which read: Dear Son, I'm not saying that you 'do' sleep with Maria, and I'm not saying that you 'do not' sleep with her. But the fact remains that if she was sleeping in her OWN bed, she would have found the sugar bowl by now. Love, Mama GeorgeTheCrook says—Those old snowbirds had those hormones when they were young too (i.e. some still do in their young minds but their bodies are old)!
A friend and I were talking the other day. He told me that he is involved in a potential investment and part of the ‘do diligent work’, he had the opportunity to talk to an elderly lady who was poor and lived in the investment. She said she would happy to visit with him but she had to leave by 6 to go to church. He said her living conditions were very very humble but she was sooooooooo happy. She plans to continue to work as she just loves her job. My friend said – I think I’m all mixed up! My friend is a very smart man; he will sort it all out and figure it out (i.e. recalculating). Yes he will. Hey, get the book The Ultimate Book that I mentioned last week.
I thought a lot coming back from CO (i.e. 13.5 hours) about that I want an opportunity. I don’t know what that might be but I want an opportunity. It doesn’t have to be big, glamorous, an attention getter or pronounced. It just has to be something that I have a passion for, fulfills me, does good, and is the right thing to do. Sooooooo God I’m ready. Then I thought, maybe I’m doing it now and don’t realize it. Na, it can’t be! Sooooooo I watched our pastor, Michael, on our church’s web site preach the Sunday message after Christmas. He kept asking what are you going to do the day after Christmas (i.e. recalculating)? I don’t have a clue (i.e. I’m confused right now) but it will all fall into my lap. Oh ya!
MissPerfect asks—So when you get confused, do you fight or flight? OneSmartGuy emailed me and told me to spend Social Security as fast as I can (i.e. I am). The reason is, he said, as soon as you bankrupt the Social Security, then I won’t have to pay anymore and we can start over. He seems to have an answer to the problem. It’s sorta kinda confusing right now as to where Social Security is going. But I tell you what OneSmartGuy, it ain’t bad enough yet; it’s really got to get bad before anything is going to change. Sooooooooo in the mean time, keep paying and I keep spending it!
I realized that when I accept myself who I am and where I am, I’m the happiest. I’m not happy when I want to be someone else other than myself. It’s when I want to be something else other whom I am that I really get confused. I can’t change my financial situation, my abilities, my talents, I won’t become famous, I won’t become anyone different than whom I am. I realize that and accept that. I’m okay with that. I need to be myself (i.e. recalculating). It’s sorta kinda like this—A golfer tells me he’s playing bad today. He plays 10 rounds and all those 10 rounds are about the same score. That is what kind of golfer he is. That’s just the way it is. He probably is not going to get better at age 70. I’ll bet he isn’t. But he can have a lot of fun playing golf! I think once a guy accepts his life, he can go from 0 to happiness in no time! Such is life.
I called a friend this week—it was his birthday. He was riding bike (i.e. he tries to do it 3 times a week). He has retired at a fairly young age. I told him he has a good life; he agreed. I asked him if he ever thought he would have life sooooooo good—no way. I remember when I lived with my missionary parents up there in those hills of Kentucky. We had no money and my dad would bring table scraps home from the cafeteria for our family to eat. We wore cloths that churches would send for the mission. You know what folks, he and his family all have good hearts. He is a good man. Yes he is. That’s my opinion of course!
A golf buddy told me this story on #7 tee box--Jill: I just don't understand the attraction golf holds for men (i.e. it’s confusing to me). Mary: TELL me about it! I went golfing with my husband one time, and he told me I asked too many questions! Jill: Well, I'm sure you were just trying to understand the game. What questions did you ask? Mary: I thought I asked legitimate questions . . . like, "Why did you hit the ball into that lake?"
Saturday question—What do you remember the most about Christmas? It could be an itty-bitty thing that you will never forget. For me, Arlene and I were taking care of Erin Monday. I was buying a new pair of hiking shoes. We stopped at Dicks as I had a coupon for $10 off. They didn’t have the shoes I wanted so Victor sent me to his competation that was also in the mall. They didn’t have my size so they sent me to Boulder Running Co. I bought them there—they even honored the $10 coupon from Dicks. Arlene was giving me a hard time about running all over for my hiking shoes. It was quiet for some time and then from the back seat, 3-year old Erin says---OH GRADPA! It’s what I remember the most folks.
Do you believe in manifest destiny? We had a gal who worked for us some years ago (i.e. I really liked her and still do—she’s a good one) say—erv, …happens! I think she was saying that stuff happens so don’t get soooo excited and don’t be sooooo surprised. ItchieBitche says-- As we practice on a daily basis placing our faith in a God of love and grace, we become better prepared for the impacts of trauma that inevitably strike (i.e. recalculating). I think we all have a lot of emotions that we don’t understand; we are all confused at times.
We went to a different church than planned Sunday. The Classic/Current church had some special service for the old pastor or something. We went to the 1st Presbyterian Church of Mesa (i.e. a city church). Jim and Gladys Free (i.e. our daughter-in-law Jessica’s grand parents from IL invited us to go with them last year. We seem to like this church—good music, innovative, up temple, mixture of ages, blended service, about 250 folks, good pastor etc. ANYWAY Pastor Brant Baker talked about emotions (i.e. happenstance, na I don’t think so). He said—Many Christians, including Presbyterians, are very comfortable being intelligent Christians but not emotional Christians; We can’t command emotions; Emotions follow actions, they come along for the ride; Love for each other and Christ is more a decision than an emotion (i.e. recalculating); We grow into Love! Hey, that is what he says. That sorta kinda helps me with my confusion about some things. Does that make any sense to you? A gal a few rows ahead of us had this on the back of her blouse—Tastefully simple! I like that description—Tastefully simple!
SamTheGoldDigger thinks he knows all the tricks! He doesn’t folks; he just thinks that. Folks go crazy for Gold don’t they. Remember reading about the Gold Rush. The ones who made the money were the prostitutes, saloon owners and the folks who sold the supplies. Everyone thought – Here is my opportunity to strike it rich; my luck will change. Money does sorta kinda confuses us sometimes (i.e. recalculating). Yes it does. Sooooooooo be careful that you don’t think toooooooooo much about money. It’s only money. Such is life.
AverageJoe says—If you say you aren’t confused or never have been confused, you’re full of baloney. You need to recalculate! Bruce and Deb are staying a few days with us. What a hoot! ANYWAY these folks aren’t confusing, oh no! They are good folks with good hearts. Bruce and I hiked Camel Back Mt. (i.e. how many of you have hiked it?). We talked about the darnest things. But what amazes me the most is he told me that he can go 7 hours without peeing! Now that’s confusing to me! How about you? I was the oldest guy on the Mt. Now that is confusing.
I sound much like the Psalmist who laments the same way (i.e. confused). In the end he says—but my hope is in You my God and my friend (i.e. recalculating). David in Psalm 31 wrote that he was in distress and anguish, experiencing sorrow and loneliness, but he went on to say, “I trust in you, Lord… My times are in your hands…the Lord showed me the wonders of His love when I was in a city under siege.
Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:
erv
MyFriendJean says—A word of advice—don’t give it!
Emotions--I have them all right. I always don’t show them (i.e. depress them). I have some emotions of joy and some emotions of sorrow. I sometimes don’t show either or both. It depends on my emotions! Yabut CadillacJack says--Each of us makes his own weather, determines the color of the skies in the emotional universe which he inhabits. Soooooo if I’m understanding your correctly CadillacJack, you are saying I have something to do with my emotions? Are you saying my attitude has a lot to do with my emotions and my life? Soooooo are you saying when I get sorta kinda cranky, I need to recalculate my attitude?
I sometime wonder if folks really care about other folks’ emotions (i.e. good or not soooooo good emotions). I don’t know. But then someone shows a little interest in ya (i.e. sorta kinda unexpected) and then I think maybe some folks do care (i.e. recalculated). When someone does something a little extra, something special, or does something out of the ordinary, then I think, wow, folks really do care about other folks (i.e. like send a special gift, make your favorite Christmas treat (i.e. Heather made my Dingo Balls), or call you unexpected). Saturday question—When was the last time you gave a gift anonymously?
My mentor tells me—Nothing is as good as it looks or as bad as it looks. I think he’s right about that. Many times we don’t know everything about other folks. In fact, I wonder if we know very much about the emotions of others we are around (i.e. what are they thinking). I look at some of these folks here in the Valley and just think everything looks so hunky doory. Then I spend some time around them and find out it isn’t (i.e. recalculated). No one would ever know. Flip the pancake—Many of these senior citizens are very talented. You would never know that until you get to know them and their emotions. Such is life.
There is soooooooo much that I don’t understand! There seems to be soooooooo much that needs to be fixed (i.e. and I can’t fix it). Do I sound confused? I am folks; yes I am; I am confused a lot! I think the world will always be confusing to everyone. That’s just the way it is. I think I’ll go and take a hike! When I’m confused I like to take a hike. Yes I do. David said one time—I will mediate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. Yep, that is what he said. LuckieEddie says--The practical spiritual disciplines like solitude, stillness, listening for God are the tools with which we dig furrows in the heart to train us for recognizing God’s presence. And it is that Presence which abides with us in our “besieged cities.”
Senior snowbirds here in the Valley have young minds but have old bodies. Does that confuse you young folks? It might. I was pulling out of our gated 55+ community onto Broadway to do a hike on New Years Day. I had a red light and the car ahead of me, pulling out too, was a new Volvo convertible. On the MN license plate bracket it said—I go topless sometimes! When the light turned green, I sped up next to her to see who was driving. It was a senior female snowbird all right. Now I’m confused—was she talking about the car or her or both! I will never know! Such is life.
The clock is ticking folks! Here in the Valley there are a lot of good folks (i.e. no surprise). Older folks seem to appreciate things more and don’t take things soooooo much for granite it seems. Joesixpack says—Don’t take life for granite; many times we don’t appreciate folks and stuff until it’s taken away from us. Do you really appreciate what you have? I hope so. Such is life.
A widowed MN snowbird went back home for the holidays and had dinner at her son’s place. She was confused and suspicious! Her son had a female roommate Maria. During the course of the evening, she couldn't help but notice how pretty Anthony's roommate was. She had long been suspicious of a relationship between the two, and this had only made her more curious. Over the course of the evening, while watching the two interact, she started to wonder if there was more between Anthony and his roommate than met the eye. Reading his mom's thoughts, Anthony volunteered, 'I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you, Maria and I are just roommates'. About a week later, Maria came to Anthony saying, 'Ever since your mother came to dinner, I've been unable to find the silver sugar bowl. You don't suppose she took it, do you?' Old folks can get confused some times. Well, I doubt it, but I'll email her, just to be sure.' So he sat down and wrote: Dear Mama, I'm not saying that you 'did' take the sugar bowl from my house; I'm not saying that you 'did not' take it. But the fact remains that it has been missing ever since you were here for dinner. Love, Anthony Several days later, Anthony received a response email from his Mama which read: Dear Son, I'm not saying that you 'do' sleep with Maria, and I'm not saying that you 'do not' sleep with her. But the fact remains that if she was sleeping in her OWN bed, she would have found the sugar bowl by now. Love, Mama GeorgeTheCrook says—Those old snowbirds had those hormones when they were young too (i.e. some still do in their young minds but their bodies are old)!
A friend and I were talking the other day. He told me that he is involved in a potential investment and part of the ‘do diligent work’, he had the opportunity to talk to an elderly lady who was poor and lived in the investment. She said she would happy to visit with him but she had to leave by 6 to go to church. He said her living conditions were very very humble but she was sooooooooo happy. She plans to continue to work as she just loves her job. My friend said – I think I’m all mixed up! My friend is a very smart man; he will sort it all out and figure it out (i.e. recalculating). Yes he will. Hey, get the book The Ultimate Book that I mentioned last week.
I thought a lot coming back from CO (i.e. 13.5 hours) about that I want an opportunity. I don’t know what that might be but I want an opportunity. It doesn’t have to be big, glamorous, an attention getter or pronounced. It just has to be something that I have a passion for, fulfills me, does good, and is the right thing to do. Sooooooo God I’m ready. Then I thought, maybe I’m doing it now and don’t realize it. Na, it can’t be! Sooooooo I watched our pastor, Michael, on our church’s web site preach the Sunday message after Christmas. He kept asking what are you going to do the day after Christmas (i.e. recalculating)? I don’t have a clue (i.e. I’m confused right now) but it will all fall into my lap. Oh ya!
MissPerfect asks—So when you get confused, do you fight or flight? OneSmartGuy emailed me and told me to spend Social Security as fast as I can (i.e. I am). The reason is, he said, as soon as you bankrupt the Social Security, then I won’t have to pay anymore and we can start over. He seems to have an answer to the problem. It’s sorta kinda confusing right now as to where Social Security is going. But I tell you what OneSmartGuy, it ain’t bad enough yet; it’s really got to get bad before anything is going to change. Sooooooooo in the mean time, keep paying and I keep spending it!
I realized that when I accept myself who I am and where I am, I’m the happiest. I’m not happy when I want to be someone else other than myself. It’s when I want to be something else other whom I am that I really get confused. I can’t change my financial situation, my abilities, my talents, I won’t become famous, I won’t become anyone different than whom I am. I realize that and accept that. I’m okay with that. I need to be myself (i.e. recalculating). It’s sorta kinda like this—A golfer tells me he’s playing bad today. He plays 10 rounds and all those 10 rounds are about the same score. That is what kind of golfer he is. That’s just the way it is. He probably is not going to get better at age 70. I’ll bet he isn’t. But he can have a lot of fun playing golf! I think once a guy accepts his life, he can go from 0 to happiness in no time! Such is life.
I called a friend this week—it was his birthday. He was riding bike (i.e. he tries to do it 3 times a week). He has retired at a fairly young age. I told him he has a good life; he agreed. I asked him if he ever thought he would have life sooooooo good—no way. I remember when I lived with my missionary parents up there in those hills of Kentucky. We had no money and my dad would bring table scraps home from the cafeteria for our family to eat. We wore cloths that churches would send for the mission. You know what folks, he and his family all have good hearts. He is a good man. Yes he is. That’s my opinion of course!
A golf buddy told me this story on #7 tee box--Jill: I just don't understand the attraction golf holds for men (i.e. it’s confusing to me). Mary: TELL me about it! I went golfing with my husband one time, and he told me I asked too many questions! Jill: Well, I'm sure you were just trying to understand the game. What questions did you ask? Mary: I thought I asked legitimate questions . . . like, "Why did you hit the ball into that lake?"
Saturday question—What do you remember the most about Christmas? It could be an itty-bitty thing that you will never forget. For me, Arlene and I were taking care of Erin Monday. I was buying a new pair of hiking shoes. We stopped at Dicks as I had a coupon for $10 off. They didn’t have the shoes I wanted so Victor sent me to his competation that was also in the mall. They didn’t have my size so they sent me to Boulder Running Co. I bought them there—they even honored the $10 coupon from Dicks. Arlene was giving me a hard time about running all over for my hiking shoes. It was quiet for some time and then from the back seat, 3-year old Erin says---OH GRADPA! It’s what I remember the most folks.
Do you believe in manifest destiny? We had a gal who worked for us some years ago (i.e. I really liked her and still do—she’s a good one) say—erv, …happens! I think she was saying that stuff happens so don’t get soooo excited and don’t be sooooo surprised. ItchieBitche says-- As we practice on a daily basis placing our faith in a God of love and grace, we become better prepared for the impacts of trauma that inevitably strike (i.e. recalculating). I think we all have a lot of emotions that we don’t understand; we are all confused at times.
We went to a different church than planned Sunday. The Classic/Current church had some special service for the old pastor or something. We went to the 1st Presbyterian Church of Mesa (i.e. a city church). Jim and Gladys Free (i.e. our daughter-in-law Jessica’s grand parents from IL invited us to go with them last year. We seem to like this church—good music, innovative, up temple, mixture of ages, blended service, about 250 folks, good pastor etc. ANYWAY Pastor Brant Baker talked about emotions (i.e. happenstance, na I don’t think so). He said—Many Christians, including Presbyterians, are very comfortable being intelligent Christians but not emotional Christians; We can’t command emotions; Emotions follow actions, they come along for the ride; Love for each other and Christ is more a decision than an emotion (i.e. recalculating); We grow into Love! Hey, that is what he says. That sorta kinda helps me with my confusion about some things. Does that make any sense to you? A gal a few rows ahead of us had this on the back of her blouse—Tastefully simple! I like that description—Tastefully simple!
SamTheGoldDigger thinks he knows all the tricks! He doesn’t folks; he just thinks that. Folks go crazy for Gold don’t they. Remember reading about the Gold Rush. The ones who made the money were the prostitutes, saloon owners and the folks who sold the supplies. Everyone thought – Here is my opportunity to strike it rich; my luck will change. Money does sorta kinda confuses us sometimes (i.e. recalculating). Yes it does. Sooooooooo be careful that you don’t think toooooooooo much about money. It’s only money. Such is life.
AverageJoe says—If you say you aren’t confused or never have been confused, you’re full of baloney. You need to recalculate! Bruce and Deb are staying a few days with us. What a hoot! ANYWAY these folks aren’t confusing, oh no! They are good folks with good hearts. Bruce and I hiked Camel Back Mt. (i.e. how many of you have hiked it?). We talked about the darnest things. But what amazes me the most is he told me that he can go 7 hours without peeing! Now that’s confusing to me! How about you? I was the oldest guy on the Mt. Now that is confusing.
I sound much like the Psalmist who laments the same way (i.e. confused). In the end he says—but my hope is in You my God and my friend (i.e. recalculating). David in Psalm 31 wrote that he was in distress and anguish, experiencing sorrow and loneliness, but he went on to say, “I trust in you, Lord… My times are in your hands…the Lord showed me the wonders of His love when I was in a city under siege.
Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:
erv
MyFriendJean says—A word of advice—don’t give it!
January 1, 2011
2011
Disclaimer—There were probably many, many times this last year when I may have…Disturbed You, Troubled You, Pestered You, Irrigated You, Bugged You, or got on your nerves!! Sooooooo today, I just want to tell you…Suck it up Cupcake!! ‘Cause there AIN’T NO CHANGES planned for 2011!
Joesixpack asks--If you could go back and change one thing over the past year, what would it be? Explain your answer.
It’s a New Year—A time when folks say—I’m going to change! Ya right! You know how hard it is to change. Most folks think they want to change but don’t. Most folks don’t have any self-discipline. They are fakers to themselves and finally say—I guess that’s just the way it’s goin’ to be! I can’t change. But you can, yes you can. Everyone can change if they really want to. That’s the key, do I really want to change. How much effort do I really want to put in. I know of an acquaintance who says he’s going to change but never does. I don’t think he’ll change until he dies (i.e. now that will be a change). I really do think that being in the AZ sunshine helps a guy with his thinking (i.e. my opinion). The other day I went to play ping pong and the guys were not as excited I thought. When I got home I told Arlene that and she said—It’s partly cloudy today and it 60 degrees—that’s why. I think she is right. We had weeks of high 70s and completely sunny—now that will affect a guy’s attitude! Such is life.
I read it in the paper so it must be right that this is the time of the year when many divorce papers are filed. Yep, they don’t want to spoil Christmas for the family and now the money crunch happens and…hits the fan. It takes True Grit to get through some things that aren’t sooooooo pleasant in life. James and I went to the movie True Grit when we were in CO. Now from what I see, divorce is a big change! I got an email from a friend back in IA. He fell on the ice and broke his pelvis and his wife had to have a pacemaker all in a week. Now that will change a guy’s plans in a hurry. Another friend send me pictures of the front and back of our house on December 27th. It looks pretty but I still think it’s a good time to get out of Dodge! Ya, weather can change things in hurry! Oh ya! Such is life.
We are hearing a lot about change from some government leaders—Sorry to tell ya, it ain’t goin’ to happen folks (i.e. things aren’t bad enough yet). They all say they are going to change but then say--but I want this and the next one says, I want this. At the end of the day, it’s the same as before or maybe we end up spending more. GeorgeTheCrook says--I’m a sucker in thinkin’ it’s goin’ work this time (i.e. no one wants to give up any benefits and actually want more). Yabut, I have been a sucker many times; it seems I fall for all those tricks every time.
MissPerfect says—Doc, I’ve gained 30 pounds in two months! I’m short of breath…I get dizzy and my clothes don’t fit!!! Be brutally honest doctor…should I go on a diet?
Change is hard folks; we usually want to do it the same as we did it before even if it didn’t work. My hat goes off to folks who can change without being forced toooooo! Two Minnesotan hunters got a pilot to fly them to Canada to hunt moose. They managed to bag 6. As they were loading the plane to return, the pilot said the plane could take only 4 moose. The two lads objected strongly. 'Last year we got six. The pilot let us take them all and he had the same plane as yours.' Reluctantly, the pilot gave in and all six were loaded. However, even on full power, the little plane couldn't handle the load and went down. Somehow, surrounded by the moose bodies, Sven and Ole survived the crash. After climbing out of the wreckage, Sven asked Ole, 'Any idea where we are?' Sven replied, 'I think we're pretty close to where we crashed last year.'
We are going to a church Sunday where we attended a Christmas concert. This church intrigues me. ANYWAY they have a Classic service as they call it and a Current serviced as they call it! That’s funny in itself I think. Change is hard folks. Something else that is funny to me is that the pastor gives the same message in both services, only the foreplay is different! Such is life.
New Year is a time we talk about money changes a lot. Oh yes money! I read in the AZ Republic that Bowl games’ expected impact on Valley: $420 million. Da-ching! Wow! Some of that $420 million will be IA money. That’s why they like IA to come—toooooo spend money! The bowl committees (i.e. cities where they are held) really don’t care who the teams are or who wins as it’s all about the $$$$$$! I know that but there are a lot of things I don’t know like—Why do my fingernails grow faster than my toenails or why do the nails on my thumbs or my big toes grow faster than their neighbors? Iowa vs. Missouri in the Insight Bowl set a new crowd record of 53,000 folks. I bet the committee was happy! Such is life.
Here's quite a money story. I went to the Suns game last night (i.e. Arlene didn't want to go). I scalped a ticket from this guy--he wanted $60--that's too much; I won't pay that much--how about 50--no way, I walked away--he followed me and said, okay 40--I'll give you 30--I can't do that; what are you thinking! He followed me and said okay--upper deck middle section 4th row. I get in their and he got me--it was not middle section but on the corner. But it all worked out--the section I was in was selected to get a coupon from Frey's Grocery Store for a dollar worth of groceries for every 3-pointer the Suns made in the game. The Suns made 12 3-pointers and the kid next to me left his on the floor sooooooo I got $24 worth of groceries. Such is life.
I have the opportunity to play golf and make friends with Ken a.k.a King Kong and Wayne the Knuck. These guys are very wise and know all the tricks to save money. I just ask and they know. And you know what, it cost me nutten for all this advice! You may think that maybe I talk too much about money. Well, I was reading my devotions one day this week while eating my oatmeal with a half of banana on it and read this— God’s Word can help you organize our financial life in such a way that you have less need to worry and more time to celebrate…It’s easy to determine the importance money plays in God’s plan as there are more than seven hundred verses directly refer to its use. Sooooooo…! Hey, these guys taught me what a Knuten Valve was. I never heard of it before. Do you know what a Knuten Valve is?
ItchieBitchie says—Ya have to have a starting point to change; New Years is a good starting point. I have friends and know of other folks who are really trying to make major changes their lives. I try to change my life daily. Change is hard. Most folks can’t change. I talked to a social worker at Quakerdale (i.e. a facility for trouble youth) recently. He has done this for 20some years; he says the young folks don’t respond as much anymore. They don’t respond to rules and authority near as much. He said—they get to be 18 and have about 5 kids from several relationships and the chain continues. Ouchy ouchy! Oh breaking that chain (i.e. change). I know of some folks who have broken that chain of their family history. I think these folks are heroes! Yes I do. I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half of banana on it—Each new day brings an opportunity to do some little thing that will help to make a better world…take each day’s happenings as opportunities for something you can do for God. So throw those chips away, get your butt off the couch and do something (i.e. it doesn’t have to be something great—most of us aren’t given that opportunity that will be in the paper—just a few—so be humble and do that one little thing). Do you get it? AverageJoe says--There are folks who need help and they don’t need to call 911 but just need you!
Here’s a different kind of top ten list—the top 10 reasons not to plan for retirement: Reason #10--I’m too busy #9--It’s too soon #8—It’s too late #7—I don’t need to # 6—I don’t have enough money to get started #5—My finances are a mess #4—The government will take care of me #3—Between my savings and my 401 (k), I will be fine #2—I don’t want to think about it #1—I don’t know how.
UncleGeorge always told me—erv, it isn’t what you make, it’s what you save! I learned this saving idea form a retired GM engineer last year. He wanted to buy a tv for his office down here at the Fountain of the Sun. He went to Goodwill and purchased one on Saturday for half price of the normal price (i.e. Saturday is half price day) for I think $9. Soooooo I wanted a folding table and a chair to make a sorta kinda office in our bedroom. I called Goodwill and yes they had a table and some chairs. Soooooo I went down there to look at them. They would work. They wanted $14.99 for the table and $7.99 for the chair. The guy told me—come back in the morning and they’ll be half price. Soooooo Saturday morning I get down there at 8:45 and there were about 100 folks ahead of me waiting for the doors to open. A guy on a big Harley who was all leathered up, tattooed, dark glasses, a long beard (i.e. a real tough looking guy) drove up. He parks and gets in line next to me. He says—I stopped yesterday and hide the stuff I wanted so no one could find it very easily! Soooooo the doors open and folks are running to their hidden stuff. I get to where the folding table was—no table. Then I remember what the Harley guy told me so I looked in the back of some other stuff. Bingo! Some one else hid it but I found it. Sooooooo I bought what I wanted for $11.47! Now I know why that GM Engineer from MI is soooooo rich! Such is life.
Arlene needed some 50 dollar bills for gifts so I stopped at a bank on the way back from Goodwill. I gave the gal at the drive-up two 100s and asked her if she could change them. She asked if I had an account with them—no—we normally don’t do this unless you have an account with us—oh, sorry, it’s Christmas!—okay just this one time. Such is life.
CableGuyBrian came to hook up our cable, internet and phone (i.e. a bundle). I really liked Brian. He was in his 50s and was in management for many years but with the economy slowdown, he lost his current management job and was a cable hook-up guy. He likes cars so also works at a auto parts store. Brian was a real guy with a massive huge heart (i.e. my kind of guy). We really had a good time. ANYWAY he told me about his kids. One daughter is very smart but didn’t graduate from high school, got married to a guy who makes about $12,000 a month doing something with cell phone towers. Brian has told them to save their money—they spend everything they make and live from month to month. Well, he will be loosing his job. Brian’s other son makes good money, works hard, but doesn’t pay his bills which results in all kind of problems. This other daughter is normal (i.e. what’s normal). She is completing her education to be a nurse. She enjoys life but is not a spender. Sooooooo Brian, how does your children’s money management ways affect you?—they drive me crazy but I can’t change them! I would hire Brian if I was in the need of an employee. This guy would be a dynamite employee—no question. The only thing I wonder if he’s normal or not is that he and his wife have 7 cats—they just have a soft spot in their hearts for cats! He told me last week-end one of their old cats didn’t look good so he took it to an animal hospital and $456 later they found out it had urinary track infection, got some pills and got it better. $456 for a cat, one of seven!!!!! Hey, we all spend our money differently now don’t we!!!!! Such is life.
I read in the paper so it must be right—Basic math is key to wealth accumulation: Study found that couples who score well on simple mathematical concepts have more money. If you can answer these three questions you have the ability to accumulate more money than the average dog I guess—They call it the “numeracy” test. Here are the three questions: If the chance of getting a disease is 10%, how many people out of 1,000 would be expected to get the disease? If five people all have the winning numbers in the lottery and the prize is $2 million, how much will each of them get? Let’s say you have $200 in a savings account. The account earns 10 percent interest per year. How much would you have in the account at the end of two years? Answers—100, $400,000 and $242. GeorgeTheCrook suggests that if you have trouble with answering these problems, you should let your spouse or someone else handle the money in your life. Ouchy ouchy!
I saw on a billboard this statement—Thousands of men will die this year from the stubbornness! It was referring to guys not going to a doctor for a physical or a colonospicy. SusieQ says--Men can be stubborn folks. Yes they can. They don’t change very easily. LuckieEddie says—Women are too!
WildWilie says—In our modern culture, you’re a redneck if you are a saver! Most folks are spenders. How things have changed. AverageJoe says—Why save if the government will give you everything and bail you out of any problems. All ya got to do is bitch and complain. It has worked. Yabut, at some point money is going to change that attitude. It’s not bad enough yet. It’s really got to get really bad first. When it gets to a point where there is just no other way, then something will happen. We’re not there yet. It’s really got to get bad first. We are still living very good..
JoeThePlumber says--You can't make things happen just by wantin' 'em! ItchieBitche says—Ya got to do more than just pray for it and then go and buy something! Uff Da! Ya gotta put some work into it (i.e. effort). Ya change is hard for most folks. If you want to change you personal financial situation, ya gotta have a written budget and stick to it (i.e. I read it in the newspaper so it must be right). Ya gotta have True Grit! All the good ones do it! One more thing the newspaper said--Without a plan, people will stay in the same situation. Such is life.
This might change your life in a very good way. Read The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall. I just did. It's not really a spiritual book, its not really a money book, but its really a wisdom book. Get it at the library (i.e. free) or on Amazon for about $5.50 used. It's about a 2 to 3 hour read. I think it could change your life in 2011. It's a good one folks (i.e. my opinion).
Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:
erv
MyFriendJean says—Praises to a child is as water to a thirsty plant!
Joesixpack asks--If you could go back and change one thing over the past year, what would it be? Explain your answer.
It’s a New Year—A time when folks say—I’m going to change! Ya right! You know how hard it is to change. Most folks think they want to change but don’t. Most folks don’t have any self-discipline. They are fakers to themselves and finally say—I guess that’s just the way it’s goin’ to be! I can’t change. But you can, yes you can. Everyone can change if they really want to. That’s the key, do I really want to change. How much effort do I really want to put in. I know of an acquaintance who says he’s going to change but never does. I don’t think he’ll change until he dies (i.e. now that will be a change). I really do think that being in the AZ sunshine helps a guy with his thinking (i.e. my opinion). The other day I went to play ping pong and the guys were not as excited I thought. When I got home I told Arlene that and she said—It’s partly cloudy today and it 60 degrees—that’s why. I think she is right. We had weeks of high 70s and completely sunny—now that will affect a guy’s attitude! Such is life.
We are hearing a lot about change from some government leaders—Sorry to tell ya, it ain’t goin’ to happen folks (i.e. things aren’t bad enough yet). They all say they are going to change but then say--but I want this and the next one says, I want this. At the end of the day, it’s the same as before or maybe we end up spending more. GeorgeTheCrook says--I’m a sucker in thinkin’ it’s goin’ work this time (i.e. no one wants to give up any benefits and actually want more). Yabut, I have been a sucker many times; it seems I fall for all those tricks every time.
MissPerfect says—Doc, I’ve gained 30 pounds in two months! I’m short of breath…I get dizzy and my clothes don’t fit!!! Be brutally honest doctor…should I go on a diet?
Change is hard folks; we usually want to do it the same as we did it before even if it didn’t work. My hat goes off to folks who can change without being forced toooooo! Two Minnesotan hunters got a pilot to fly them to Canada to hunt moose. They managed to bag 6. As they were loading the plane to return, the pilot said the plane could take only 4 moose. The two lads objected strongly. 'Last year we got six. The pilot let us take them all and he had the same plane as yours.' Reluctantly, the pilot gave in and all six were loaded. However, even on full power, the little plane couldn't handle the load and went down. Somehow, surrounded by the moose bodies, Sven and Ole survived the crash. After climbing out of the wreckage, Sven asked Ole, 'Any idea where we are?' Sven replied, 'I think we're pretty close to where we crashed last year.'
We are going to a church Sunday where we attended a Christmas concert. This church intrigues me. ANYWAY they have a Classic service as they call it and a Current serviced as they call it! That’s funny in itself I think. Change is hard folks. Something else that is funny to me is that the pastor gives the same message in both services, only the foreplay is different! Such is life.
New Year is a time we talk about money changes a lot. Oh yes money! I read in the AZ Republic that Bowl games’ expected impact on Valley: $420 million. Da-ching! Wow! Some of that $420 million will be IA money. That’s why they like IA to come—toooooo spend money! The bowl committees (i.e. cities where they are held) really don’t care who the teams are or who wins as it’s all about the $$$$$$! I know that but there are a lot of things I don’t know like—Why do my fingernails grow faster than my toenails or why do the nails on my thumbs or my big toes grow faster than their neighbors? Iowa vs. Missouri in the Insight Bowl set a new crowd record of 53,000 folks. I bet the committee was happy! Such is life.
Here's quite a money story. I went to the Suns game last night (i.e. Arlene didn't want to go). I scalped a ticket from this guy--he wanted $60--that's too much; I won't pay that much--how about 50--no way, I walked away--he followed me and said, okay 40--I'll give you 30--I can't do that; what are you thinking! He followed me and said okay--upper deck middle section 4th row. I get in their and he got me--it was not middle section but on the corner. But it all worked out--the section I was in was selected to get a coupon from Frey's Grocery Store for a dollar worth of groceries for every 3-pointer the Suns made in the game. The Suns made 12 3-pointers and the kid next to me left his on the floor sooooooo I got $24 worth of groceries. Such is life.
I have the opportunity to play golf and make friends with Ken a.k.a King Kong and Wayne the Knuck. These guys are very wise and know all the tricks to save money. I just ask and they know. And you know what, it cost me nutten for all this advice! You may think that maybe I talk too much about money. Well, I was reading my devotions one day this week while eating my oatmeal with a half of banana on it and read this— God’s Word can help you organize our financial life in such a way that you have less need to worry and more time to celebrate…It’s easy to determine the importance money plays in God’s plan as there are more than seven hundred verses directly refer to its use. Sooooooo…! Hey, these guys taught me what a Knuten Valve was. I never heard of it before. Do you know what a Knuten Valve is?
ItchieBitchie says—Ya have to have a starting point to change; New Years is a good starting point. I have friends and know of other folks who are really trying to make major changes their lives. I try to change my life daily. Change is hard. Most folks can’t change. I talked to a social worker at Quakerdale (i.e. a facility for trouble youth) recently. He has done this for 20some years; he says the young folks don’t respond as much anymore. They don’t respond to rules and authority near as much. He said—they get to be 18 and have about 5 kids from several relationships and the chain continues. Ouchy ouchy! Oh breaking that chain (i.e. change). I know of some folks who have broken that chain of their family history. I think these folks are heroes! Yes I do. I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half of banana on it—Each new day brings an opportunity to do some little thing that will help to make a better world…take each day’s happenings as opportunities for something you can do for God. So throw those chips away, get your butt off the couch and do something (i.e. it doesn’t have to be something great—most of us aren’t given that opportunity that will be in the paper—just a few—so be humble and do that one little thing). Do you get it? AverageJoe says--There are folks who need help and they don’t need to call 911 but just need you!
Here’s a different kind of top ten list—the top 10 reasons not to plan for retirement: Reason #10--I’m too busy #9--It’s too soon #8—It’s too late #7—I don’t need to # 6—I don’t have enough money to get started #5—My finances are a mess #4—The government will take care of me #3—Between my savings and my 401 (k), I will be fine #2—I don’t want to think about it #1—I don’t know how.
UncleGeorge always told me—erv, it isn’t what you make, it’s what you save! I learned this saving idea form a retired GM engineer last year. He wanted to buy a tv for his office down here at the Fountain of the Sun. He went to Goodwill and purchased one on Saturday for half price of the normal price (i.e. Saturday is half price day) for I think $9. Soooooo I wanted a folding table and a chair to make a sorta kinda office in our bedroom. I called Goodwill and yes they had a table and some chairs. Soooooo I went down there to look at them. They would work. They wanted $14.99 for the table and $7.99 for the chair. The guy told me—come back in the morning and they’ll be half price. Soooooo Saturday morning I get down there at 8:45 and there were about 100 folks ahead of me waiting for the doors to open. A guy on a big Harley who was all leathered up, tattooed, dark glasses, a long beard (i.e. a real tough looking guy) drove up. He parks and gets in line next to me. He says—I stopped yesterday and hide the stuff I wanted so no one could find it very easily! Soooooo the doors open and folks are running to their hidden stuff. I get to where the folding table was—no table. Then I remember what the Harley guy told me so I looked in the back of some other stuff. Bingo! Some one else hid it but I found it. Sooooooo I bought what I wanted for $11.47! Now I know why that GM Engineer from MI is soooooo rich! Such is life.
Arlene needed some 50 dollar bills for gifts so I stopped at a bank on the way back from Goodwill. I gave the gal at the drive-up two 100s and asked her if she could change them. She asked if I had an account with them—no—we normally don’t do this unless you have an account with us—oh, sorry, it’s Christmas!—okay just this one time. Such is life.
CableGuyBrian came to hook up our cable, internet and phone (i.e. a bundle). I really liked Brian. He was in his 50s and was in management for many years but with the economy slowdown, he lost his current management job and was a cable hook-up guy. He likes cars so also works at a auto parts store. Brian was a real guy with a massive huge heart (i.e. my kind of guy). We really had a good time. ANYWAY he told me about his kids. One daughter is very smart but didn’t graduate from high school, got married to a guy who makes about $12,000 a month doing something with cell phone towers. Brian has told them to save their money—they spend everything they make and live from month to month. Well, he will be loosing his job. Brian’s other son makes good money, works hard, but doesn’t pay his bills which results in all kind of problems. This other daughter is normal (i.e. what’s normal). She is completing her education to be a nurse. She enjoys life but is not a spender. Sooooooo Brian, how does your children’s money management ways affect you?—they drive me crazy but I can’t change them! I would hire Brian if I was in the need of an employee. This guy would be a dynamite employee—no question. The only thing I wonder if he’s normal or not is that he and his wife have 7 cats—they just have a soft spot in their hearts for cats! He told me last week-end one of their old cats didn’t look good so he took it to an animal hospital and $456 later they found out it had urinary track infection, got some pills and got it better. $456 for a cat, one of seven!!!!! Hey, we all spend our money differently now don’t we!!!!! Such is life.
I read in the paper so it must be right—Basic math is key to wealth accumulation: Study found that couples who score well on simple mathematical concepts have more money. If you can answer these three questions you have the ability to accumulate more money than the average dog I guess—They call it the “numeracy” test. Here are the three questions: If the chance of getting a disease is 10%, how many people out of 1,000 would be expected to get the disease? If five people all have the winning numbers in the lottery and the prize is $2 million, how much will each of them get? Let’s say you have $200 in a savings account. The account earns 10 percent interest per year. How much would you have in the account at the end of two years? Answers—100, $400,000 and $242. GeorgeTheCrook suggests that if you have trouble with answering these problems, you should let your spouse or someone else handle the money in your life. Ouchy ouchy!
I saw on a billboard this statement—Thousands of men will die this year from the stubbornness! It was referring to guys not going to a doctor for a physical or a colonospicy. SusieQ says--Men can be stubborn folks. Yes they can. They don’t change very easily. LuckieEddie says—Women are too!
WildWilie says—In our modern culture, you’re a redneck if you are a saver! Most folks are spenders. How things have changed. AverageJoe says—Why save if the government will give you everything and bail you out of any problems. All ya got to do is bitch and complain. It has worked. Yabut, at some point money is going to change that attitude. It’s not bad enough yet. It’s really got to get really bad first. When it gets to a point where there is just no other way, then something will happen. We’re not there yet. It’s really got to get bad first. We are still living very good..
JoeThePlumber says--You can't make things happen just by wantin' 'em! ItchieBitche says—Ya got to do more than just pray for it and then go and buy something! Uff Da! Ya gotta put some work into it (i.e. effort). Ya change is hard for most folks. If you want to change you personal financial situation, ya gotta have a written budget and stick to it (i.e. I read it in the newspaper so it must be right). Ya gotta have True Grit! All the good ones do it! One more thing the newspaper said--Without a plan, people will stay in the same situation. Such is life.
This might change your life in a very good way. Read The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall. I just did. It's not really a spiritual book, its not really a money book, but its really a wisdom book. Get it at the library (i.e. free) or on Amazon for about $5.50 used. It's about a 2 to 3 hour read. I think it could change your life in 2011. It's a good one folks (i.e. my opinion).
Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:
erv
MyFriendJean says—Praises to a child is as water to a thirsty plant!
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