Being situational aware @ all times

Our neighbor fell and broke her pelvis.  I asked her husband a.k.a the ol' I-wegan what happened.  She wasn't being situational aware.  She was filling her car with gas and tripped over the gas hose; Not being situational aware @ all times can be dangerous.  I learned that on ship in the Navy. 

Be situational aware @ all times (i.e. see the big picture and not just the immediate feeling).  SusieQ says--When I saw my first strands of grey hair, I thought I'd die and dye!  LuckieEddie says--When you turn the light on, you get all kinds of bugs!!!!  Such is life.

MyCnuckGolfBuddy plays golf every day back home at daybreak.  Yes, every day.  And by himself.  I said to him--I bet you shoot some good scores!  I keep hitting the shot until I hit a good one.  We keep reminding him when we play that this is "reality golf" and  not "fantasy golf"!   LuckieEddie says--Ya got to live your life in reality (i.e. not like fantasy football).  Here in the Valley of the Sun a.k.a Paradise, it's a good reality a.k.a. it's being situational aware @ all times of inhaling joy and exhaling tension!  I have the life of Riley!

Being situational aware @ all times.  We had the opportunity to attend church with Jim and Gladys Free (i.e. our daughter-in-law's grandparents.  They are our kind of folks (i.e. real folks with huge massive good hearts).  They are snowbirds from IL.  We are very aware how they have influenced our daughter-in-law.  Oh ya!  Bytheway, we ate at my favorite breakfast place, Jean's Itise Bitse.  It's small cafe adjoining a pro shop on Dreamland golf course.  There is a practice putting green just in front of the cafe/pro shop (i.e. we are standing on it).  It's sorta kinda a throw back to the 60s.  This place makes me feel oh soooooo goooood and actually makes me laugh every time I go there.  I realize that it doesn't take much to make me happy!!!!   Such is life. 

Being situational aware @ all times!  When I look at my life in a panoramic view instead of a tunnel vision view, I find that there is a huge massive difference.  MissPerfect says--Never get all steamed up before you know what's cookin'!  I play pickle ball with maybe 50 others and ping pong with maybe 30 folks who are of all different abilities and have different experience levels. I really enjoy playing with them all.  Folks are very nice about rotating soooo everyone plays with everyone (i.e. no cliches or elite groups which can ruin a group very fast).  ANYWAY I really don't care if I win or loose.  ItchieBitchie says--Come on erv, I know you, you care.  No I don't.  In fact many times I really don't know what the score is.  Now if I'm playing in a match that we are all of the same level, ya I can be competitive and remember the score.  A stronger player can dominate play and make it a bad experience for others sooooooo why would some folks what to do that?  WildWillie says--Maybe to show folks that they are better (i.e. egos).  Ya that could be.  Does winning really have much to do with playing in this environment?  It's just like in life, some things aren't that important to get all worked up about.  It really doesn't matter.  I read what Tom Bradey said--Greatness is expected and not often celebrated.  My Daddy, Chester, said to me--erv, if you are good, you don't have to tell people!  Soooooooo my advice/suggestion to you--be situational aware @ all times!  Okay?  CadillacJack says--Yabut if you play for money, then everything changes!  Oh that money will do that folks.  Oh ya!

GeorgeTheCrook says--It all makes sense!  Is the "long economical hangover" over do you think?  Are you bullish on the future?  LuckieEddie says--I'm still very jittery!  The AZ budget gave raises to state employees and increased spending on education.  Maybe it's a mirage.  AverageJoe says--Maybe it's like a friend who I know; She's soooooo pretty and looks soooooo nice but when you get close, she smells like a wet animal!  Ya gotta be situational aware @ all times folks!  Pastor John said Sunday--God wants you joyful and the devil wants you to be miserable; God wants you compassionate and the devil wants you compelling,  Does that make any sense?

Be situational aware @ all times!  Joesixpack says--If you have talent and work hard good things will happen to ya.  If you also have a good heart, even greater things will happen to ya.  Oh ya!  Be involved in philanthropy--Good works makes for good returns. Keep your minds occupied constructively--Folks who do usually have lower blood pressure, healthier hearts and fewer symptoms of depression than non volunteers. Put that in your pipe and smote it. Get moving and you'll feel a lot better (i.e. experience extraordinary full of happiness and hope). DuaneTheWorm (i.e. he causes me to get off the buss at the nearest stop) thinks he as important as he thinks he looks and he doesn't look very good folks (i.e. but he doesn't know it)! Actually what are you doing to make your life better?  Do you have tunnel vision or can you see a panoramic vision view of your life? It's sorta kinda related to my thinkin' of looking and focusing on what I have instead on what I have lost or don't have (i.e. that's a breath of fresh air).  Well, fiddle-dee!  If I look at the tunnel vision view of my life of "whatrottonluck" it sorta kinda bites me in the butt!  MissPerfect says--How you look at your life has a huge massive difference in your attitude--I guarantee it; and that ain't no bull!  Suggestion--Click on the box that says you agree and accept.  You really can't go forward without doing that!  Oh, fiddlesticks, do you think I need to do that?  It's your decision and decisions have consequences.  Such is life.

Being situational aware @ all times!  Sometimes we need to be a maverick a.k.a. someone who is unconventional or goes against the grain.  Actually here in the great SW, a maverick was a cow, steer or calf that wasn't branded and thus pretty much free for the taking if you happened to see it wandering around!  There are soooooo many things happening in our society and culture that doing what is right is almost being a maverick it seems.  But listen folks, there are a lot of great folks (i.e. I have met many down here in the Valley of the Sun--that's no gobbledygook folks).  Let me tell you about some of them:  A neighbor is in her 80s and has lost two husbands.  She said to me--I have had the most wonderful life, just wonderful--sooo what made your life soooo wonderful--many thinks but accepting Jesus as a major thing.  ~  Another neighbor has a physical impairment.  She rides a scooter and her speech is hard to understand.  I asked her the other day how she was doing--Ya got to...I couldn't understand her and told her that.  She spelled it to me c-o-m-p-e-n-s-a-t-e.  Ya have to compensate or she gave me the "throat cutting sign" which means death (i.e. being toe tagged).  ~ There is a guy who walks past our condo quite regularly form Belmond, IA (i.e. about an hour from Aplington) who always stops and visits with me.  He is walking and always smoking a cigarette.  Huh, interesting. ~ A gal who plays pickle ball with us is always happy.  She has the biggest smile and her body language is just always excited about life (i.e. runs on high-octane). I think "Happy" is an appropriate moniker for her! Oh yes!  She's a spark-plug!  ~  A hiker we met on the trail gave us information as he said he knows all the trails and even works on the trails as a volunteer.  Wow, you must be a good person. My friends tell me that I'm toooooooo nice.  Tooo nice, what does that mean.  They say people take advantage of me.  Soooo what are you going to do about it?  Keep being nice.  ~  We met a couple of other hikers (i.e. man and woman in their 60s who had six-shooters on their hips which is legal in AZ).  Sooooo are those six-shooters for looks or do you really shoot those suckers?  Oh we shoot them; we are part of "cowboyfastshooters".  Sooooo how fast are ya--the guy said he could draw and hit his target in .3 seconds and the gal said in .5 seconds.  Man, I would probably shoot my toes off.  Oh we use wax ammo and it's all done by computers.  

~  A gal at ping pong told me that she spent her whole summer re-doing her house.  Are you good at it--I sure am!  I watch every show on TV.  I really like it. ~  I asked a fellow pickle ball player where he was from--Oregon but did some time in Maryland.  My wife said she is looking out for me by moving us here in the Valley.  I told her that I can't stand 110 degree heat.  She said--I'm just getting you use to the heat sooooo when you die you will be prepared!  Ouchy ouchy!  ~  I was waiting my turn to play pickle ball the other day.  I was sitting next to a guy who was wearing a gold cross around his neck.  Soooo are you a Christian--Sorta but I'm not a practicing Christian; I was born a Catholic.  ~  I played pickle ball with a new player the other day.  When we got done, we were sitting on a bench and his cell rang.  He told me it was about his medication that he is not going to take any more.  It almost killed him Sunday.  It lowered mys blood pressure to such a low level that it was life threading.  It happened at church and if a nurse wasn't there, I probably would have died.  Sooooo did you loose consciousness?  Ya, I think I saw heaven.  It was sooooo pretty and I was soooooo peaceful.  I was alright with it.  You are blessed to be a blessing.  I have been blessed many times in my life.  I once had an accident with a chain saw and had over 500 stitches in my arm and face.  I really have had a good life.  I'm sooooooo happy.  He shuck my hand a couple of times and said--I sure hope we can play together again.

Are you being situational aware @ all times?  GeorgeTheCrook says--Big heavy folks are good when you are the NFL quarterback and need protection on the pass plays, but you don't see toooooo many of them hiking, playing pickle ball, playing ping pong, running, biking etc here in the valley.  Most of them are talking and eating (i.e. that's complete mayhem)!  SusieQ says--Tebow's prayers might work but...when you have big, huge massive good players protecting you, that helps toooooo!  Well the Broncos did get beat.  Yes they did.  Woddy Hayes once said--There's nothing that cleanses the soul like getting the hell kicked out of ya!  Lou Holtz once said--The man who complains about how the way the ball bounces is likely to be the one who dropped it.  Such is life.

There are a lot of physical activities for us seniors here in the Valley to do. A lot of seniors do a lot of stuff let me tell ya. Some are extremely active and then it changes 'cause of reasons like health, age, size, attitude, desire, etc. When you sorta kinda get toward the bottom of the activity chain, it's down to shuffle board, then eating and talking, and then just sleeping in the sun. That's the bottom of the totem pole. That ol' fart must be at the bottom!!!!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Great opportunities often disguise themselves in small tasks.

Being situational aware @ all times!  Bonus Coverage--Watch this motivational video and make sure you listen to the last line.  Okay?  http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=aw-nt0eTb2w

let's talk about you

I was returning from my quite often 12 minute soak in the hot tub.  I walked past a string of condos.  MN Don was on a patio of our neighbor having happy hour with some folks.  He said to me--Getting in a hot tub is much like marriage.  After you get in it, it's not as hot as it was at first!

ItchieBitchie says--Let's talk about you; you seem to worry about everything.  I know you do 'cause I can tell.  Soooooo can worry stem from childhood. When children experience parent/child reversal roles due to such things as illness, unemployment and addictions worry becomes an early life pattern.  Soooooo were you taught to be a worrier?  LuckieEddie says--People who worry often believe that their anxiety somehow helps them to avoid bad things. They believe it prevents problems, helps them prepare for the worst or gives them a way to control circumstances.  GeorgeTheCrook says--I worry 'cause I hate uncertainty but rather seek guaranteed outcomes.  Soooooooo MollyWorryWart, you are a pain in the butt to be around.  Worry just plain limits ourselves for many reasons and in many ways. 

Let's talk about you.  Folks that worry all the time are about as messy as folks who are always negative (i.e. and negative folks are constant complainers).  Sooooo SusieQ, why are you negative all the time.  Nutten ever seems right for you and you never seem happy (i.e. everything in your life seems to be a problem which makes your life just one big problem).  Ouchy ouchy! You are a pain in the butt to be around.  You never seem to have a good time.  You are always worrying about something instead of just enjoying life.  Do you know that?  You have a very limiting life.  A good hearted young man (i.e. a real guy) told me his favorite Bible verse.  It is underlined in my Bible with his hand written note beside it--Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.  WildWillie says--That's a lot harder to do than to say.

Let's talk about you!  Joesixpack says--Sooooooo I got some money in my pocket (i.e. I'm a FatCat).  What should I do?  Should I spend the money!...Or save it...don't spend a dime and put it in a "hurricane lock box"!  What should I do?  What's the right track to be on.  Should I spend some and save some?  Should I be a spendthrift and let my kids get it?  That is a decision you will have to make Joesixpack.  Most folks don't seem to have a plan (i.e. they just stumble along).  The church we have been attending is pushing Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.  They want 80% of their folks to go through this program.  They say--We know that most of you are sound financially set (i.e. most of the maybe 1,5000 attenders are older folks) but if you can even do better, look how much more money you can give away.  This church is known as a giving church.  Soooooo I think it's interesting to have a plan.  Most folks don't have an grand scheme or grand plan (i.e. it just happens--good or bad).  But here's the deal--If you can manage your money, it makes your life soooooooo much more enjoyable, why not do it.  MissPerfect says--I don't want to know how much I spend on clothes!  Now that could be a problem (i.e. not facing reality).  I recently had a guy stop and talk to me.  He is moving to AZ from MN.  He said he really doesn't have enough money saved up and is really wondering how it is all going to work out.  Why he told me this I don't have a clue (i.e. maybe he wanted some advice--I don't know--Or maybe he needed to tell someone and he knows he will never see me again).  ANYWAY that's not a goooood spot to be in!  I was riding my bike the other day and saw a garage sale sign pointing in a rather affluent neighborhood.  This guy was maybe upper 50s.  He was selling his stuff he said as he lost his job of 37 years.  He has to sale his house as he can't afford it.  I wish I would have saved more but I didn't.  I never thought I would lose my job.  Ouchy ouchy!  Flipthepancake--An ol' buddy of mine came back from upnorth (i.e. he's a retired farmer).  I said--How much did your net worth go up this year (i.e. as he owns ground)--didn't got up; have all our ground in life estate; what do I need for any more money at my age!

It's good to ask questions.  You got that right!  My Daddy, Chester, said--erv, asking questions is best way to learn and it's inexpensive.  Soooooo ask questions.  A surgeon examined a new patient most carefully. After studying the x-rays, he turned to the man and said, "Could you pay for an operation if I told you it was necessary?" The patient thought for a moment, then said to the doctor:  "Would you find one necessary if I told you I couldn't pay for it?"

Lets talk about you! Okay here are a few thoughts, facts, and ideas about folks I have been around in the last little while on the golf courses:  Golfed in a foursome that 2 of the guys had suction cubs on their putters soooooo they didn't have to bend over to get the ball out of the hole.  --  Golfed with an authentic Ollie.  Yep that was his name and he said "ya" a lot toooo yet! -- Golfing with a guy the other day whose ball was a little off the green.  I said to him, cuddle her up close.  He said to me, I haven't cuddled for a long time! -- Golfed with a guy who smoked 3 huge massive cigars during the round.  I think his cigars cost more than his green fees! -- On the 14th tee box a guy told us that he bought his wife a new car for Christmas (i.e. just like on TV).  She didn't like and took it back; I give up! -- I asked another guy who is from MN if he fishes=Ya I do, I participate in Helping Seniors Fish=you must be a good person=I have my days and others aren't sooooo goood -- I golfed with a guy who had his ankle shattered in Korea.  He is in his 80s and plays a good game. He is a very nice guy with a great attitude (i.e. my kind of guy) -- Okay, I golf  on Wednesdays with three guys who are unique, (i.e. good unique) but they call me strange soooo we're even.  One guy is The CnuckFromThurnderBay who wears suspenders (i.e. I have never golfed with a guy who wore suspenders before).  I asked him how come he does that=cause I don't have a waist and if I don't wear suspenders my pants fall off (i.e. I hope he keeps wearing those suspenders).  GovernmentKenFromMN hasn't won our putting contest in over 20 times he says.  Half way around the round he puts his dollars over his ear under his cap.  When we win it, it is wet from sweat and stinks.  Now that is different but we really like him to play the putting game with us (i.e. Mr.Easy)!!!   He won this last week sooooo he's now 1 for 28 or so!  EngineerFromDubuque a.k.a TheMississippiRiverRat is the only guy who has a battery operated electiric motorize push cart here in the Valley of the Sun that I know about.  That's different.  Ok ok, I'm different too=I'm the only one who carries his clubs and has a belly putter.  We are all different I guess in some way.  Sooooo when we get done with our round Wednesday, these different guys get this stuff out of their bags and put it on me (i.e. official Canadian golf wardrobe)=they give me a hard time 'cause I don't like playing in the cold.  --  I was doing my nearly every day late afternoon 15 minutes of chipping and putting when this guy comes from the driving range carrying his clubs on one shoulder and a portable oxygen tank on the other and says--Aren't you erv mellema the biker, golfer and hiker=Ya I do some of that stuff; who are you=I hiked with you a couple of years ago=oh ya, I remember you, you were recovering from a stroke and was starting hiking again=ya that was a tough time for me; this summer was tough for me too; I developed 3 kinds of arthritis and developed Asama; it was touch and go for a while but I started feeling better late in the summer finally soooo we came to the Valley again; I have started walking and hope to do some easier hiking this winter; I do play golf twice a week now=you have such a great attitude=wasn't always that way; when I was 44 I weighed 210 (i.e. 35 pounds over my normal weight) and smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day; one morning I said that's enough; I went on a diet, quite smoking, started exercising and in 6 months ran my first marathon; it was brutal! -- Played golf with a pickle ball buddy.  He told me that he has a condo in Mesa and one in Canada of about same quality but the one in Canada cost 5 times as much.  --  The other two guys in our foursome were first year physics students working on their doctorate degrees from Ohio and Indiana at ASU.  The get paid a $14,000 stipend.  They are professors of on-line courses.  The one physicist told us that he has 350 first year physic students in engineering.  --  Played with a guy from Idaho.  Aren't there a lot of independent folks in Idaho=ya there are and I'm one of those mavericks; I'm a real red neck maverick; I don't like authority!

I read it in the paper sooooo it must be right.  Steve Nash says he has a lot of motivation left.  Asked what motivates him, he deadpanned, "Money."  I'm sorta kinda a Suns fan. I watch some of the games on TV, read the paper about them and we go to a few games.  It's fun.  I even going to buy a Suns cap I think (i.e. if I can get a cheap one).  I can't find one cheap as of yet!  I have limits folks.  I'm not loaded like some of you.  Also I have noticed that there are a lot of loaded folks (i.e. talking about some of you) who winter in the Valley but are very good money managers.  Maybe that's why they are here in Sun Valley for the winter.  Such is life.

Talking about you!  When we were riding back from the Suns game on the light-rail, I was standing next to a young man (i.e a college kid).  He started talking to me about the Suns.  He was a huge fan of the Magic and also Oakland Raiders.  Sooooo you don't like the Broncos very much--no I don't--are you a Tebow fan--I like what he believes in and how he gets things done but I can't root for him as Oakland fans are not fans of the Broncos--Soooo he says to me, you like Tebow--We are Christians sooooo we believe like he does--I think he does a lot of good stuff for a lot of folks and he seems to be a winner; he maybe goes a little over the top on the Jesus thing for me but I like and believe in what he stands for--It's good to be a good person and do what is right--Ya it is and I try!  He was telling me that half of the Denver coaching staff likes Tebow and half don't nor does John Elway.  But, he has made them a ton of money (i.e. #1 selling jersey in the NFL).  Sooooo what are they going to do him for next year.  Houston, we have a problem!  His station then came.  He shuck my hand and and said--Do good and existed.  That was a breath of fresh air.

Let's talk about you Jesus.  I'm gong to get on soap box here folks.  If you don't like what Tebow is about you probably won't like this but try me.  Jesus defiantly is not a wet wash rag, a mugrummper (i.e. sitting on the fence with his rump on one side and his mug on the other), not a politically correct guy like DuaneTheWorm, but He is my Rock.  He's forgiving, loving, gracious, understands me, is loyal, merciful, faithful; even though at times I don't understand Him.  He gives me confidence maybe just like Tebow does to his teammates 'cause of Jesus in his life (i.e. and that ain't no pious baloney folks).  Jesus has a certain presence about Him!  Some of you think believing in Jesus is for the weak and powerless.  Some of you think believing in Jesus is sorta kinda a lot like belly fat!  You are way wrong on that folks.  You think money is power and you have a lot of money.  Your are wrong folks.  Jesus doesn't have favorites and what he stands for is not determined by who pays him to think and act a certain way.  Oh no!  Try Him, you might be surprised how good He makes you feel.  Trying won't hurt ya.  Or are you afraid of making a commitment of some kind (i.e. might hurt your image--now that's being weak--are you another DuaneTheWorm).  Give Him a try.  ItchieBitchie says--oh, holy mackerel, that Jesus talk makes me nervous!

Talking about you.  I was sitting in the sun the other day when our neighbor a.k.a. the ol' Iowa-wegin came over to talk.  I said--How's it going?  He said--I'm trying; my wife says I'm really trying at times! 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Patience and diligence, like faith, remove mountains.

Change in 2012

Many people believe that after 1,872,000 days--or more than 5,000 years--the Mayan calendar will run out on Dec. 21, 2012 and the world will come to a fiery end (i.e. now that would be a big change--maybe you don't have to worry about weight reduction in 2012 after all). ItchieBitchie says--We're confident that the Mayans real-estate agent already has sent out a new calendar and that it will arrive in plenty of time to put another 5,000 years on the refrigerator!

I finished reading the NT.  Revelations is difficult for me.  To me it's a complex, enigmatic letter from a pastor named John filled with scenes of scrolls and robes and angels and plagues and trumpets and horses and dragons and beasts and bowl and prostitutes and horses.  I don't understand the divine commands to commit genocide found in the OT either.  Maybe I'm not very smart--that could be. ANYWAY death on this earth will be a pretty major change I would think.  What do you think?

AverageJoe says--I can't make my wife change if she doesn't want too.  I have tried many times with no success.  She just doesn't want to change and is just plain not receptive to thinkin' about it.  We've never done it that way before.  Ya can't teach old dogs new tricks!  You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink!  Ya, change is hard for many folks unless there is money involved; then they can change.  Oh ya!  JoeSomebody says--Now that the Christmas season (i.e. a time of joy and peace for some and a time that makes others cranky) is over, I will change back to my ol' self!  It's a good thing that Christmas is only once a year!  Some people will do things the same no matter what--they are much like the Coriolis Force--water always swirls one way in the Northern Hemisphere and the other way in the Southern Hemisphere.  It doesn't change.  Saturday question--Do cowlicks always swirl the same way? 

PositiveRon says--Life changes with opportunities.  We always talk about change with a new year now don't we.  Many times nutten really changes.  It's all talk and show (i.e. just blowing smoke).  I read this little fun article about change in the Denver Post while celebrating Christmas in CO--Eavesdropping was the headline.  Eavesdropping on two women attending a performance at the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins after the building's renovation.  "The new bathrooms and lobbies are nice, but I don't know why they had to replace the theater seating with these smaller seats. (They) are way too tight, and I barely fit."  "Actually, these are the same seats they had before."  Soooooooo maybe the gals have changed over the holidays.  Ouchy ouchy!  I think the change was they ate toooooooo much during the holidays and...!  That's what I think.  Such is life.

Here is something else I read in the same paper--Headline article: Shows struggle to go on. The Western Stock Show and Rodeo has to change to exist in the future. They are looking at 5 options. #1 is Having the stock show stay put and do nothing which according to the report would force National Western into bankruptcy within seven years. The other part of the article says--To have a future, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra has decided it must relinquish some of its past to have a future.

LuckieEddie says--Ratchet up your life with a change.  Put off the old and put on the new (make a radical change that folks can see the difference). Change might make your body hurt and/or you brain hurt!  Maybe a simple inexpensive treatment might help.  And maybe the adjustment doesn't have to hurt.  Here are two places here in the Valley of the Sun that might just make that adjustment for a guy.  It's just an idea!  TimTheGadgetMan says--Get a gadget and it will fix most anything.  I love those gadgets a.k.a. toys.  They are good for my ego!  They make me feel important.  SusieQ says--Gadget folks like change it seems as they are always changing and the market makers know this and are always coming out with a new gadget (i.e. $$$$$$).  What is really interesting to me is a person who will be on the razors edge with technology when making money but won't change dealing with other issues (i.e. stay sooooo traditional).  That really puzzles me.  Maybe it's the $$$$$$$ that affect folks.  You think soooooo!  Such is life. 

Joesixpack says some folks are change makers; they seem to have that sense.  It's just like some folks know when to act and when not to act--when to talk and when to be silent--when to be aggressive and when to be passive--when to move and when to stand still--when to react and when not to react.  Why do some folks have this sense and others don't.  I don't know Joesixpack but I agree.  Some folks can get changes done and others can't.  Such is life.

KingOfTheCityBob says--It doesn't take Scotland yard to figure ourselves out now does it but for many it's hard to see the forest through the trees.  How do you act do you think?  ItchieBitchie says--It's really hard to evaluate yourself.  You might be different than you think.  Now that could be.  I once asked  a couple of my friends if they would evaluate me.  They didn't do it.  Maybe they thought I would be offended and wouldn't do business with them (i.e. lose $$$$$).  Or maybe I had soooooo maybe defects that they just didn't want to go there.  Yabut if you don't know if you have defects, how can you correct them.  I'm a big believer in evaluations in business.  It can really help folks especially if they don't know they are weak (i.e. usually folks know their weaknesses and strengths).  Okay, I know folks who seem to argue a lot, don't say nice things to each other, and are very negative about others. And I know others who are just the opposite.  Do you think they know they act that way?  Can they change?  If you are a parent of a small child, they are probably going to act the same way you treat others or them (i.e. young kids copy somebody and most often it is their parents--we all are programed by someone or something).  MissPerfect says--Every body's history has an impact on 'em!  Maybe that is the reason why some folks seem to have it all together and others seem to be chronically a mess (i.e. problematic).  Such is life. . 

My Daddy, Chester, would say to me--erv, the best discipline is self-discipline.  GeorgeTheCrook asks--Have your ever had a life changing event or know someone who has (e.g. a heart attack).  They change their habits like eating differently and exercising.  They do it for maybe 6 months and then they are back to the Big Macks super sized.  Soooooo maybe it wasn't really a life changing event! MissPerfect says--If you take action you can change; without action you probably won't change; it's reality.  One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.  He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. "One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.  "The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."  The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"  The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one we feed the most."

SusieQ says--I'm in a rut, in a rut wearing grooves in a familiar path that is easier and easier to take.  SusieQ, you need a new life a.k.a a change of heart!  CadillacJack says--Why do ya think suddenly someone wakes up one day and decides to head in the completely opposite direction?  I wonder if it's a God thing.  I don't doubt God's ability to do anything. 

Joesixpack says--Catching on can lead to change maybe--This video is about change.  It was used during Christmas morning service at the The Rock of the SW in Littleton, CO which we had the opportunity to attend with James, Heather, Erin and Easton.  It's about 1.5 minutes but it's sorta kinda funny but has a point.  http://www.sermonspice.com/product/36960/skit-guys-christmas-connection

The fear of failure is main motivational piece for most folks.  Sooooooo instead of failing, most folks won't even try anything 'cause they fear they will fail. Instead they just sit on the couch and eat chips .  They know they can be a success at that.  I have heard this statement during the Christmas time--If you don't behave, Santa won't bring you any presents.  Ya right!  The fear of failure!!!  If you don't be good you're going to hell!  What!!!  I just read the Love Wins by Rob Bell (i.e. it's controversial book as he thinks everyone will have many opportunities to accept Jesus even after death--most will eventually get into heaven).  He thinks that after "you are laid to rest" a.k.a. die, you will will have the opportunity to see the Light--Heaven will not just be for a few elite.  It was a good read for me.  Maybe I'm open minded or maybe I'm just gullible but it was very stimulating to me.  My response is--His understanding I cannot fathom--God is God and thats just the way it is.  Such is life.

Covet! It's a great motivator too!  DuaneTheWorm says--I don't covet. If someone has something that I want, I just go and buy it.  Covet is not a thing, not a one time event, but it's an attitude.  And if you  have it, you are a mess.  SusieQ says--If you have that attitude, I would suggest you get rid of it (i.e. change).  It will, I repeat, make you a constant unhappy person.  Don't think of stuff you don't have but think of the little things you really enjoy.  If your life is about stuff, you will never have enough or the latest stuff or the best stuff and you will really never be truly happy.  It takes a strong person to manage this attitude as the world keeps seducing us.  Some can and others can not.  Saturday question--What do you really like to do?  I mean something you do that you just loose track of time (i.e. something I could do forever)?  If you don't have such a thing, I feel sorry for you. 


Soooooo what is ervie going to change in 2012?  It's really not a change but something I'm going to do more of.  I'm going to live one day at a time.  And live it the best I can.  I asked for advice from someone who I admire and this was his suggestion.  I also have been told this by others and have read this advice by others who I don't know (pastor John said it Sunday too).  Sooooo that is what I'm going to try to get better at.  Try to make my life and other folks' life more enjoyable and useful.  Sooooooo folks--Wherever you go, there you are.  Maximize every minute of every day to the fullest.  Throw those chips away and get your butt off the couch and do something for someone else or even yourself.  Must admit--This is how the table in front of me looked while I watched the Rose Bowl sittin' on the couch!!!! Ouchy ouchy!!!!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--A simple life in the fear of God is better than a rich life with a ton of headaches.

New Year 2012

We just got back from the Insight bowl between IA and OK. 

I hope you didn't over indulge with eating or/and drinking over the holidays.  LuckieEddie says--My bother-in-law GoofyTed is even more obnoxious when he over drinks.  ItchieBitchie a.k.a. theol'rosterwhohaslosthistailfeathers was sooooo proud of himself.  He was at a holiday party and drank toooooo much and was impaired (i.e. drunk). Being a responsible person, he took a bus home.  His wife, PaintedUpMildred, (i.e. who use to be the #1PartyAnimalinherday and now is just a paintedupol'hen) was soooo proud of him tooooo.  He told her, it was really quite an experience.  I never drove a bus before!

Another year older we are.  Sometimes that's good.  AverageJoe says--As we get older we can do certain things and we can do certain things better (i.e. age helps us here).  But another year older also makes some thing harder for us to do (i.e. hinders our ability).  I read it in the paper so it must be right--"Believe me, you don't want to see me hit a shot," Jack Nicklaus joked.  "People have always said they want to play like I do.  Now they can."  Here in the Valley, I see old timers who use to be good at different hobbies but now struggle to do it at the same level of accomplishment that they once did.  It's life I guess.  Recently Arlene went outside our condo and our neighbor (i.e. maybe middle 80s) was up on the roof and couldn't get down (i.e. it didn't use to be a problem). She said she would get some help for him. As she was going into the condo, the fire truck arrived and helped him get down. Things change folks.  I was sitting in the sun in front of our condo reading and a neighbor came over to talk.  I asked him how his knees are doing--not really very good; I had three surgeries on this one; if I would have known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself! Such is life.

Oh a new year (i.e. sorta kinda a new beginning).  I see folks who have an inner passion.  They excite me.  They do stuff not for attention but 'cause it gives them a good feeling.  They don't try to please others but please themselves by doing what is right.  They get an internal "good feeling".  They have an internal constant of giving and serving.  To some of you this sounds crazy (i.e. not doing it for attention).  But visiting with these confident folks, I sense they have a sense of wisdom.  This mentality is very self-gratifying, fulfilling, and they are blessed (i.e. blessed to be a blessing).  Soooooooo folks, here is my suggestion for 2012.  Do something like that.  Be innovative, creative, and exciting (i.e. maybe something you  have never done but always wanted).  Do it without any recognition.  Do it to or for someone who can't repay you.  Do it 'cause you want to do it and I think you will find it most rewarding (i.e. an inner satisfaction). 

I would really encourage you to go to church regularly in 2012.  MissPerfect says--The #1 reason why folks don't go to  church is 'cuase it boring!  Ya, some churches are boring.  Find one that isn't.  There is a massive huge difference in churches.  ANYWAY that is what we found out.  The #2 reason why folks don't go to church is 'cause--They see folks who go to church (i.e. some might even be Christians) who are not perfect.  And you know what, there are folks like that.  In fact most or all (i.e. including me) are that way 'cause we are all human.  Ya need to over look that deficiency.  Ya need to look past the package and see the gift.  You aren't perfect either even if you think you are.  You are missing soooooooo much by not being involved in a church (i.e. missing a great opportunity).  Again, find a church that you like (i.e. that fits you and your family).  Please try!  Don't be a Chri-ster (i.e. those who only go on Christmas and Easter).  And don't be obnoxious, arrogant, or conceited by not trying.  Joesixpack says--1/5 of the people are against everything all the time!

SusieQ says--I would guess a lot of you went to church either Christmas Eve and/or Christmas morning.  Some of your probably said--Oh God, thank you for sending your Son to this earth for me.  Tomorrow some of you will go to church after parting New Years Eve and say OH GOD!

Oh ya, God doesn't win football games--Tebow says.  Tebow also says--It's not Tebow Time but Bronco Time (i.e. he directs the attention away from him).  I heard a sports announcer say during the half time of the Sunday night game--Tebow's faith has qualities that are very attractive and add to the chances of winning.  It says in the Denver Post (i.e. so it must be right)--Tebow has penchant for doing good things a.k.a. insprational game changer.  Soooooooo I really think (i.e. my opinion) that folks who have faith in Jesus (i.e. enriched by going to church) have a different temperament and have a better chance of succeeding in what's important.  I really do.  I sat next to Charlie (i.e. a die-hard Suns fan) on our flight from Phoenix to Denver.  Charlie told me that attitude is what makes things work; a positive attitude is a must and it's contagious.  Charlie (i.e. age 25) had a Suns cap on (i.e. straight bill and cocked to the side).  He also had an old sweatshirt on and baggy shorts, black Nike socks and an old pair of sneakers.  He had a straggly beard and hair to match (i.e. stylish in our culture).  We had a great time together.  I think this young man will do well--why you ask--'cause of his attitude. GerogeTheCrook says--I don't believe what you're saying and I don't like Tebow at all 'cause I don't have faith in God and don't like to hear anything about such things; it's all a lot of gobbledygook and yada yada to me.  Sorry GeorgeTheCrook, but I think you are really missing the boat.  Such is life.  But some of you still think I'm an idiot!  erv, who some of you think is an idiot, says--#1 You cannot stick your tongue out and look up at the ceiling at the same time, a physical impossibility due to the tendons within your neck.

We were getting close to the run way when the captain said--This is your captain speaking--Give your seat belt a tug, your neighbor a huge as this Booing is going!  Talk about attitude!  I feel like Southwest Airlines is a friend.  They portray this sense through their employees, how they do things and even how they make announcements.  I really think that attitude can be taught.  What do you think?  They just make things as pleasant as possible.  We went to the Christmas show of the Duttons here in the Valley of the Sun (i.e. some of you might have seen them in Branson).  ANYWAY all the performers make you fell like they are your friends or family (i.e. just make you feel good--like your a favorite ol' sweatshirt) except one.  She seems to try but doesn't seem to have the charisma--it seems fake to me (i.e. she seems robotic to me).  I think (i.e. my opinion) that you can go to a party and sense it sooooo easy in certain hosts and hostesses.  Some folks just have this and give you this feeling.  The church we have been attending, has a pastor who has this (i.e. everyone seems to just like him when he talks).  Not all pastors have this quality.  Joesixpack says--If you don't have it it's hard to obtain (i.e. although I think a person can get better at it by working at it--but it might be a natural gift--such folks are genuine and just plain inviting--not stiff and artificial or canned--they are themselves and refreshing).  Do you know what I'm talking about?  Back to Southwest Airlines--On their Styrofoam coffee cup it says--Southwest Airlines proudly donates to the Guatemala light project, Drink our coffee and LIFT others!  Drink coffee, give light!  A cup above the rest!  That makes me feel oh soooo good!  Such is life.

It's really good to get Christmas cards from folks, especially some from folks who you don't communicate with during the year.  They bring back such good memories, fun memories of years gone by, memories that will always remain, memories that are soooooo precious.  They remind us of  good times or something we did with them that just plain makes ya feel good.  CadillacJack says--I think of you  erv when I pluck my nose hairs?  What am I suppose to make of that?  At least she thinks of me!  Such is life

WildWillie says--Be the kind of person in 2012 that, when your feet hit the floor each morning, the devil says "Oh Crap, He/She's up!"  I'm playing pickle ball at another park.  The leader of pickle ball and I were talking.  He really likes the park they are in.  The park is fun and laid back.  The reason being is that we have a lot of activities all led by volunteers.  Many parks don't have that--it takes folks to volunteer to make it great,  Huh, interesting.  Isn't that pretty much the same in our churches and communities and families? 

Joesixpack says--Many successful and great folks live their lives in pretty much anonymity (i.e. pretty humble).  They just "walkintheirpurpose" and don't want to be on the Champion's Pedestal. I got news about a good friend that something really good happened to him (i.e. a good guy wins--There is something special about this guy--he sorta kinda wears a cape in my eyes--his demeanor is that he never gets to high and never gets tooooo low).  We talked to his wife and she said he is soooooo humble about it but it is really a big deal.  He just won't talk about it much.  Humility!  My Daddy, Chester, would say to me--erv, if you are good, you don't have to tell folks about it; they can see and know it.  That's just the opposite with DuaneTheWorm.  He is constantly telling folks how great he is.  He reminds me of mucus and snot!  Happenstance, na I don't think sooooooo folks.  Many in our church have read the whole Bible in 2011.  I read the New Testament.  ANYWAY  I was reading my assigned chapters and read this--Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.  It was underlined and a line drawn to the caption written on the top which was written by this good friend who I'm writing about.  Caption said--My favorite verse...PK 2004.  Huh, interesting. 

In looking at folks who I think are successful, it seems they all are pretty humble, are confident and have a solid foundation.  Many who stumble seem to not handle their power, fame or money very well.  Just look around in your community and in the world. It seems very obvious.  For many, it appears that it is hard to remain a good person.  It appears that when money, power and fame comes their way, trouble is right around the corner (i.e. they get tooooo big for their britches--they screw up--they think they are above the law).  There are a few good ones that do well though folks.  And some of those few good ones are you.  That is why I like to be around you.  I like real folks (i.e. folks with massive huge good hearts).  Very few folks can handle success.  Very few.  Most make a mess out of it.  MissPerfect says--When I get a massive huge ego, I always get humbled; you would think I would learn!  The AZ Republic Paper has a chuckle and a prayer in their newspaper every day.  I think that is interesting.  ANYWAY the prayer the other day was--Lord, in periods of abundance, help us to become humble and quietly accept good fortunate. 

Arlene and I went to the movie Seven Days in Utopia before Christmas (i.e. $1 Tuesday on a rainy day here in the Valley).. It's about golf and faith in God. I suggest you go and see it or soon rent the DVD.  Here is the web site to see if he made the putt at the end of the movie to be the champion.  It's pretty good; it's about just what I'm writing about.   http://www.didhemaketheputt.com/ . 

I was walking to the hot tube the other night after a day of pickle ball, biking and hiking (i.e. I have the life of Riley).  ANYWAY a gal backs out and on her car she has a bumper sticker that was confusing to me.  I asked her what it meant.  She said it was a "coexist" sticker.  Soooooo  what's coexist mean.  Soooooo she gave me her explanation (i.e. her opinion).  Sooooooooo look at this web site http://www.enochmagazine.com/articles/general/the-coexist-bumper-sticker and see what you think.  This is one person's opinion. I might have a different opinion and you might have still another opinion and the reality is maybe none of those opinions are right but are just that--opinions.  Coexist!  Huh, that's interesting.  MissPerfect asks--I wonder if the Shiites and the Sunnis got that email!!!

#2.  All idiots, after reading #1 will try it.  #3. And discover #1 is a lie. #4. You are smiling now because you are an idiot.  

Soooooooo in 2012, aspire to inspire before you expire!  LuckieEddie says--Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold; the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul!  Sooooooo suck it up cupcake and let's get going!  We need to press on! We're burning daylight here! I was getting little Erin out of her car seat during our visit to CO at Christmas; I said to her--Let's get going, we're burning daylight here.  As I was carrying her to the restaurant, she said to me--Grandpa, it's not daylight, the stars are out!  Erin and I made my Mom, Anna's old fashion green/red/coolwhip jello dish (i.e. Erin called it our project).  It was sooooooo much fun.  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--The best vision is not foresight or hindsight, but insight.

Christmas

Dear Friends and Family

When we think of Christmas, we think of--Away in a manger, no room for a bed but little Lord Jesus lay down your sweet head!

Merry Christmas from the desert. We are in CO with part of our family. Heather has their home decorated soooo festive in the Christmas Spirit.  And she made her Daddy some of his favorite Christmas treats!  Morrison greeted us with about 15 inches of snow Thursday so it will be a very white Christmas here.  It feels oh sooooo good. We will be flying back to AZ tomorrow evening.

BUT

At Christmas, we can walk away, turn away, be carried away, go away, ship away, take away, waste away, be swept away, sent away, run away, move away, put away, or back away of The Real Christmas story. Christmas question—What are your plans with the Real Christmas Story?

Thanksamillion for being our friends.  You are very special to us.  Thanks again. 

Erv and Arlene

Stars

We might suffer disappointment when we can’t get something we think we need and really want (i.e. maybe a certain Christmas present). And while that is natural, it’s also an opportunity for us to ask: “What am I really living for?”  Now that is a tough question to answer. 

Have you noticed that there are a lot of "stars" at Christmas time.  Both lighted stars and people stars.  Sooooo why do folks put lighted stars on top of grain elevators (i.e. in IA), towers, businesses, buildings, houses, poles etc?  Soooo what are they saying by hanging a star up high?  Why do we put a star on top of the Christmas tree? 

Joesixpack asks--erv, what century are you living in anyway--did you forget?   My mentor said--When I was a kid, I got only one gift for Christmas and one year I got none.  I always remember getting a couple of Christmas presents.  How the culture has changed.  Wow!  WildWillie says it this way--"Hey Dad," one of my kids asked the other day, "What was your favorite fast food when you were growing up?" We didn't have fast food when I was growing up,"' I told him. "All the food was slow." "C'mon, seriously. Where did you eat?" "It was a place called 'at home,'" I explained. "Grandma cooked every day and when Grandpa got home from work, we sat down together at the dining room table, and if I didn't like what she put on my plate I was allowed to sit there until I did like it."  Get with it erv, it ain't 1930 any more!  It's 2011 and we have 6 different credit cards and a smart phone.  Get with it!

GeorgeTheCrook says--The big difference I see is this – in the legend of Santa Claus coming to town, the gift you get from Santa depends on how good you have been. The gift Christ gave us on the cross acknowledges He is good, and we, who cannot be good due to our sinful nature, need Him. Santa brings gifts as a reward of merit; Jesus Christ brings Himself by grace as a ransom for many. Santa’s gifts are material, but the gift Christ brings is eternal. Saturday question: Who will you receive tonight? Santa or Christ or both?  SusieQ says--Don't forget who the "Star" at Christmas is!

Do you hear what I hear?  Maybe not!  MissPerfect says--Indulge in the season--Celebrate the season's cravings.  Buy them something sweet--they love it!  Buy junk to add to their existing junk--they love it.  Spice up Christmas; sugar coat it--they love it. up.  Load up the sliegh--Ring it up (i.e. ring ring ring jingle jingle jingle).  It's only money which causes money storms later but hey, it's all about having a good time today.  Christmas comes once a year----soooooo splurge, eat and be happy; spend some money!  Deliver the goodies!  Stuff those stocking plump full of everything (i.e. Makin'SpiritsBright).  Christmas is captivating to many soooooo get on the train and spend some money.  Be a star!  This is what you hear from the commercial side of Christmas 

Holy Frankincense!  Can you imagine Christmas without Jesus?  Can you imagine being a Shepard out in the field that night?  Can you imagine being Mary or Joseph or a wise man or scared King Herod.  Can you imagine seeing the Christmas Star while out in the field?  Can you imagine seeing an angel and hearing what it had to say? Can you imagine seeing a host of angels?  Can you imagine not feeling the birth of Jesus on Christmas or believing what Jesus did for you and me but just celebrating a commercial Christmas?  

The Star that the shepards saw and followed while watching their folks by night must of really been something.  The fields that the shepards were in were maybe a few miles from Bethlehem according to our guides when we were there.  The picture is supposedly the fields the shepards were in at the time. 

Can you and I somehow be a Christmas Angel to someone?  CadillacJack says--Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly!  AveageJoe says--Oh for Pete's sake erv, why do you challenge me that way!  I don't really know who that might be but maybe we need to keep our eyes and ears open.  Maybe, just maybe we will be given that opportunity.  A elementary student told me she had been in all 48 states.  I asked her how that happened?  She said--My two sisters, mom and dad, and our cat and dog lived in my dad's semi for some time and we traveled all 48 states.  Man, wasn't that hard.  It was but we had no house so we just lived in the truck.  Can you imagine that?  It's tricky to say, and it's tricky to hear.  It's easy to talk sooooooo big but much harder to do something.  Such is life.

There are stars at Christmas and then there are stars at Christmas.  LuckieEddie says--As you work on your shopping list this year, brainstorm of ways you could give gifts of your presence. The gifts you give that are “packaged with skin” most reflect God’s gift of Jesus.  Soooooo be a star.  We went to a Christmas concert recently with our neighbors.  It was at a local church (i.e. very nice).  ANYWAY their tradition is to invite signers to come up for the last song and sing it together--The Hallelujah Chorus.  Arlene and Judy went up to sing.  Judy said--Now that made my Christmas. 

Did you know that folks really don't like to receive Christmas gifts that they need (i.e. underwear and socks).  Or fruit cakes.  47% of fruitcakes are thrown away, 11% are regifted soooo if you add those two figures together it equals 58% of fruitcakes are never used.  Did you know that a fruit cake keeps for 25 years!  Do you know that 1 of 5 gifts are thrown away, given to Good Will or never used.  That's 20 % folks.  That 20% is equivalent to $2,500,000,000 each Christmas.  This is what the pastor said Sunday at Church.  Ouchy ouchy!  And you think you're such a star picking out "justtherightgift"!  Huh!

Hey kids, look at the deer.  Or, The shitter is full.  Soooooo movie buffs, what movie is that from.  It's my favorite Christmas movie.  It just makes me laugh.  It's a ***** movie to me!  It's soooooo funny but yet sooooooo real.  It pokes fun of us as we really are (i.e. sometimes). 

This is about the Star of Christmas.  It's done in a modern version (i.e. it's digital Steve).  I think you will like it.  I did.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkHNNPM7pJA

Be a star this Christmas and all your life--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. While eating my oatmeal with a half banana on it, I read this what Paul said--Make the most of every opportunity.  Now that is being a star folks!  Oh ya.

I hope your Christmas is a Hallmark Christmas instead of a National Lampoon's Christmas!  May all God has done in Christ encourage and fill you with joy this Christmas.  I hope you are really a star this Christmas pointing to  the real Star of Christmas!  God has truly blessed us soooooo we can bless others. 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Kindness is more than deeds.  It is an attitude, an expression, a look, a touch.  It is anything that fits another person.

BUT!

Are you more of a whywhywhy person or butbutbut person?

I'm not talking about your butt or my butt but just but in general.  Every person's butt is different but that's just the way it is.  I better just stick with the but situation.  Sooooo I'm butting out of the butt side of this discussion and just will be talking about the but stuff.  Besides I don't know much about the butt stuff other than what I know about DuaneTheWorm who really is a butt head!  DuaneTheWarm might look good at first glance but he's greasy, slippery and slimy.

Sooooooo what is the picture of do you think?  If you have been in the Valley during Christmas you might have a better guess?  BUT if you haven't, you probably don't have a clue.  Well folks, when we look out of our back patio window, across Hole #2 fairway, this is what we see.  It's Christmas in the Valley.  Our neighbors put lights around their palm trees.  Actually, it seems to be some sort of tradition.  Now that is different BUT it's rather nice (i.e. Jolly Good idea). 

RuthieWithAttitude is something BUT she's the hottest gunslinger in town folks.  She is not just any old ham and egg operation folks.  She makes folks nervous, stirs the pot and makes folks sweat!  She can really throw her weight around.  She is something to reckoned with.  She is a heavy weight alright.  I read this in the paper so it must be right--You see many many really heavy kids (i.e. the paper says sooooo it must be right--1/3 of American kids are over weight and 17% are obese).  You also see many heavy young folks and many heavy middle ages folks in our culture BUT you really don't see many really heavy old folks!  The AZ Republic says (i.e. sooooooo it must be right)--Americans account for 1/2 of their annual weight gains between Thanksgiving and New Year's.  Ouchy ouchy! Check out the solution by stayingyourweight*#^$~+Christmasfatnomorebynoteatingsooooooomuchandexcercisingmore!  Joesixpack says--It's a "free" gift? SusieQ asks--Aren't all gifts free?  No they aren't SusieQ.  Some gifts are driven by purely reciprocation!  Don't be driven by reciprocation BUT a "thank you" is always nice!  Also, look for opportunities to "give things away"!  Thanks yous are like dousing a fire with gasoline!

There is nutten wrong with our little grand kids a.k.a. Heisman winners that a few Christmas presents can't fix.  BUT if those presents don't work, there is always ice cream.  Grandpa might have the Sword of Damocles over his head giving them all the stuff they want.  Hey, we just leave them sooooooo their parents can deal with it.  Even though their parents give us a draconian warning not to do that we still do.  Isn't that what grandpas and grandmas are for--toooooo spoil them rotten!  I think sooooo.  It's Christmas! Such is life.

BUT he has everything; what in the world can I give him! I think we have an 'Aw, sh*t going one here folks! We sometimes struggle to come up with gift ideas for the person who “has it all". As you try to find the perfect gift for those on your shopping list, remember the story of Zacchaeus (i.e. the guy who had everything).  Jesus gifted Zacchaeus with his presence and with salvation.  As a result, Zacchaeus was changed. Perhaps the best gift you could give this year is your presence. When you share your time and your life, God may choose to use the moments you give for salvation and transformation—of others and yourself. The gift of Jesus’ presence leads to salvation and transformation. It’s the perfect gift for those who seem to have it all.

GeorgeTheCrook says--It is the nature of man to revere the man who has the most money. It is the nature of God to revere the man who has the most heart.  I'm going to try to be merciful, humble, patient and full of grace this Christmas and the rest of my life.  The key word here is try.  I won't and can't be that way all the time 'cause I'm human BUT I will try.  When I don't get what I want, I can be a different cat.  Some folks who don't get the present they want for Christmas can become a different cat tooooooooo.  Such is life.

I was getting the oil changed in our car and was talking to the guy ahead of us.  He was a fishing guide from ND.  I told him that I read about the big oil business in ND.  He said it is true--big business.  There is more work than employees BUT most potential employees can't pass the drug test!  Ouchy ouchy! I read in the paper, sooooooo it must be right, that there is some discussion of having folks pass a drug test to get Social Security and any government aid.  BUT it won't probably work (i.e. will be dropped like a rock)--the folks don't want that--they don't want any restrictions for drugs!  Such is life.

We went to a couple shopping centers here in the Valley.  From my catbird seat, if you've seen one shoppin' center, you've seen a mall!  LuckieEddie says--It's an unwritten rule in the mall world that you don't criticize the giver at Christmas no matter how bad the gift is!  ItchieBitchie says--Unless the gift is really bad a.k.a. a Doo-Wop!!

Last Sunday afternoon, I went for a hike/run around Usery Mt. and Arlene stayed at the condo and watched Zack and Tiger battle it out.  I really had a good time but I think I over did it a little. It's about a 7.5 mile hike and I ran toooooo much of it.  I was sore but it was a good sore.  You know what I mean.  ANYWAY when I got back, I asked Arlene if Zack won.  She got emotional.  He should have won but he didn't; I'm mad at God for letting Tiger, a jerk (i.e. her opinion), win and not Zack, a good guy (i.e. her opinion); it's not right!  I tell you what, she was unhappy.  But that's life folks.  David is one of my favorite Bible folks.  He got mad at God toooooooo but he always said--But you are my God who I will always love and obey.  He lamented a lot which is expressed in the Psalms.  Then David says after expressing his bewilderment--but I love you God.  I like the part of David's life when Saul is trying to kill him (i.e. David just doesn't understand this).  Then David has the opportunity to kill Saul when he was sleeping in the cave but he doesn't do it.  The picture is supposedly of that cave.  We saw it when visiting Israel.  I really would have like to hiked up in it but it didn't work out.  It would have been special to me as I like that "BUT" story soooooooo well.  Sooooooooo are you a whywhywhy person, a butbutbut person or some of each? 

It's not all perfect in the Valley.  You got to remember that the snowbirds are older folks.  And older folks have greater chances of heath concerns and death.  That's just the way it is folks.  BUT as a friend said to me this week--This day in your life is "your" time soooooo use it and enjoy it. I came back from playing ping pong. I ride my bike to Sun Life and play with the boys there. ANYWAY when I got home, the fire truck pulled up behind me (i.e. paramedics). They went to the lady next door. There was this big truck and 5 guys. She must have pressed her button by accident as they left in 10 minutes. I was going to go putt and chip. I was getting my stuff out of our car when Ken came by, then Paul, then Steve, then Judy and then Joe.  Hey listen, everyone has health concerns when we get older.  Steve said--I was planning to do a lot of things in my retirement but now I have this bad back.  Sooooooo folks, enjoy your day and your life.  The paper said (i.e. so it must be right) that the new snowbirds are more eclectic group; they demand new pickle ball courts and upscale condos compared to shuffleboard courts and mobile trailer houses.  30 years ago the snowbirds were a largely monolithic folks BUT now they are a richly diverse group (i.e. not the old stereotype where they lie in the sun and golf--they're on the move and seem to spend money). The Canadians have a lot to do with this activity.  Their dollar is now about equal to the U.S dollar in value soooooooo there a lot of them here and they have money.  BUT there is a large turn over of condos and golf carts every year (i.e. snowbirds get sick and die). 

I have no idea what's your life is like right now.  It could be you're very excited, very depressed or somewhere in the middle.  BUT I bet we all have something that isn't perfect.  Arlene and I went to the movie Dolphin Tale Tuesday night (i.e. buck night but we had to pay $2 more for the 3-D glasses).  I really like the last song called Safe.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YefGYnyjT0    The line I really like is--How are you gonna live your life.  Yes, you and I have a choice how we are gonna live our lives no matter what our situations or circumstances are.  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--God's desire is to win our hearts and allegiance with generosity.

HO-HO-HO!

HO-HO-HO!  And not Ho-HO-HUM!  Don't have such high expectations about this "It's Saturday".  It just like Christmas, if your expectations aren't soooooo high, then you  won't be disappointed.  Joesixpack says--Christmas Expectations are many times different than Christmas Realities.  It seems like everyone has expectations for Christmas. Some of these expectations are realistic, many are not. Kids and lots of adults are expecting – presents. Sometimes they are expecting something that is just never going to happen. One child put on her list that she wanted a chimpanzee. Not gonna' happen! One woman staying at a shelter was adopted by a church for Christmas. She put on her Christmas list: bath towels, wash cloths and a karaoke machine. Not gonna' happen! Many families are expecting family unity, reconciliation and behavioral change. May happen, but probably not. CadillacJack says--If you don’t get what you want for Christmas, you shouldn’t be all up set. It ain’t your birthday anyway!  SusieQ says--Being Santa "big responsibility"!

LuckieEddie says--A picture is worth a thousand words.  ItchieBitchie says--You really have to be careful with how you word your emails/Christmas cards as the readers don't not have the opportunity to see your facial expressions, body language, etc to know if you are joking around or not.  It's sorta kinda like when we were in CO last week.  Heather had on Easton the little outfit we gave him.  Heather says--I can smell Von Maur when I put it on him!  What!  You believe that?  SusieQ says--We believe what's convenient to believe and believe what fits our own thoughts! You think sooooooo? Personally, I think some gals can smell Von Maur. And you know what, Heather might be one of those gals! HO-HO-HO!  ByTheWay--I think I already got my Christmas present--How can that not just melt Grandpa erv's heart.  That's good enough for me.  The picture says it all.  No faking it there folks.  They really like to look at pictures that I take of them through the years.  That is what we are looking at.  Such is life.

I realize that what I write, many times might bore you (i.e. HO-HO-HUM!).  Some times what's important to me is not important to you.  Sometimes you misinterpret me, sometimes you don't really understand what I'm trying to express, sometimes you just plain disagree with me, sometimes you don't want to hear what I'm saying, sometimes you are in a bad mood, sometimes you don't want to face reality, sometimes you are tooooo busy with your own thoughts, sometimes you think I'm crazy and sometimes you have no idea what you think. I understand.  For the times you do read "It's Saturday", I appreciate you reading it and am always open to comments and suggestions a.k.a. Christmas presents to me. Such is life.

Sometimes we read toooooo much between the lines.  It happens folks. The average college graduate does not read one serious book a year (i.e. HO-HO-HUM!).  If you read one book a week you will be considered over the years one of the greatest thinkers of your generation. If you read one hour a day on any given subject you will be considered an expert on that subject in five years." ~Dr. David L. Baldwin from the course The Theology of Serving~

Dr. Rick Warren says--Keep your character by treating everybody like an angel. “Never…refuse to extend your hospitality…sometimes men have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2). You never know who will end up being your boss. There is a saying that we should be careful who we step on as we climb up the corporate ladder – they might pass us on our way back down! Never fret when people that use others get ahead, because they usually end up losing their head. “I once knew a wicked man who was like a tyrant; he towered over everyone…but later I passed by, and he wasn’t there; I looked for him, but couldn’t find him.” HO-HO-HO!

Before we left for AZ, I had the opportunity to read test questions to four 6th graders for the Iowa Assessment Test (i.e. a few who have a hard time reading).  These tests are hard for them sooooooo many times they just guess at the answers (i.e. I remember doing that).  By doing this, it doesn't take very long to do the tests sometimes.  I have to sit with them for the rest of the test period.  Sooooooo one day I brought along our old connect four game and we played a double elimination tournament.  They liked it.  It was really fun to see how some were sooooo much more competitive that others.  It gave me a great opportunity to talk about being a gracious winner and not a sore looser (i.e. what's humility).  We played for the championship and for the cellar (i.e. one kid didn't know what the cellar was).  When playing for the championship, one of the guys said--this if for life or death!  I asked them if they could keep secrets--they said--ya somewhat.  Now that is a classic! Such is life.

Put me in, Coach... I'm ready to play.  I heard a sports figure respond to Joe Paterno's situation this way--In the culture of a 84 year old person, many things were done differently than they are in our culture today.  Think about that folks.  What was an acceptable way of handling something years ago, might not be acceptable today.  LuckieEddie says--There is not easy off ramp on this one folks.  I asked about how the troubled Country Club is going here at the Fountain of the Sun.  Our RE gal told use--It won't change until they go broke (i.e. the old culture of the old folks ain't going to work in our current culture).  I wonder if that applies to our churches and church denominations?  What do you think?

I was reminded a while back by a neighbor. She took a elderly gal from our community shopping. That was very nice of her especially as my neighbor said--she doesn't have one friend. Now that's a HO-HO-HO! What if you didn't have one friend? Uhhhhh! That would not be good. I just can't imagine that. Maybe this lady has caused her situation. And maybe because of her mental health this has occurred. Or maybe because of her husband's past has caused this. What ever the deal--What if you didn't have one friend. Ouchy ouchy! Maybe you and I need to show some attention to someone who doesn't have one friend. You think soooooo?!

It's beginning to look like Christmas every where you go!  I laugh at the TV ads from Kay and Jerad Jewelers.  They try to make a guy think that everything can be fixed by throwing some money at them for some jewelry for HO-HO-HO Christmas.  Kay Jewelry ad says--Every kiss begins with Kay!  I bet more kisses start with a Budweiser than by Kay.  I remember what one of my fishing buddies told me maybe 25 years ago while fishing in Canada.  He said--Before we were married my wife wanted to kiss all the time.  Then we got married and it's been down hill ever since.  I think my fishing buddy either needs to go to Kay's or Joe's Bar.  Probably a few Buds would be cheaper!  BigBertha says--I'm always a step ahead of Ol'Jake.  He can't confuse me likePeggyTheCreditCardGuy does to his customers?  I won't fall for the ol' few Buds trick!  Such is life.

GeorgeTheCrook says--Ya can't make a jackass a thoroughbred no matter how many times you tell me. He's still a jackass! DuaneTheWorm is full of all kinds of deceit and trickery (i.e. a lot of HO-HO-HUM!).  GeorgeTheCrook says--He makes me sweat bullets. Christmas season (i.e. consumerism) uses jealousy as it's best buying trick.  And you know what, it works in many cases. The commercial media is designed to make us feel unhappy and dissatisfied with our lives so that we buy whatever the advertisers are trying to sell. Just like folks fall for DuaneTheWorm's tricks and deceit soooooo do many consumers fall for the jealousy trick.  Both prey on the weak (i.e. they go duck hunin' where the ducks are).  Ya gotta find those suckers!  CadillacJack says--I want to remind you that one of the laws of nature is that the stupid usually remove themselves from the gene pool. A financial tip from JoeThe FinancialWizard for Christmas--I heard on the TV that one airline says--Bags fly free!  Soooooo if your mother-in-law is flying in for Christmas and she qualifies, make sure you tell her about it!  Ouchy ouchy! 

We are in Mesa via Bryce National Park and Zion National Park in Southern UT.  They were pretty but not as pretty as Arlene!  Oh no. From Grand Junction, CO to I-15 (i.e. middle of UT), there is nutten but pretty scenery.  That's maybe a couple of hundred miles.  There was a stretch of maybe 150 miles that there were only 2 exits and they said "Ranch Exit".  But the scenery was pretty--beautiful!  When we got on I-15 the speed limit was 80 soooooo I drove about 82.  Everyone else was passing my going about 90 or 90+.  Such is life.  I was reminded that erosion and time can really change the landscape--much like it does to our lives, our values, our morals, our churches, our believes, our families, and our country.  HO-HO-HUM!

When we were driving through the little towns out by the National Parks, I was reminded again about expectations.  Many of those little towns are in such scenic areas.  In those little towns are cute little businesses that are closed, being foreclosed on, boarded up, and just didn't make it.  The expectations were probably greater than actual reality.  It takes folks with money to make money.  There just weren't enough to make the expectation of the original cash flow of dreams.  This happens all over America--The business ideas sound oh soooooo good but they just don't generate enough cash.  HO-HO-HUM!  It says in the paper, so it must be right, that house prices have gone down another 1.2% for the quarter here in the Valley--If you bought a house 5 years ago, it would be worth 50% less or maybe even a lesser amount.  Our RE gal said that there is not as much demand for rental units this year.  Sooooooo...!

Saturday question--When is the last time you thought about what you think about?  Your thoughts can be HO-HO-HO or HO-HO-HUM!  AverageJoe says--What you think is what you'll be!  Such is life.

"Have we not groveled here long enough, eating and drinking like mere brutes?" ~Walt Whitman~    MissPerfect says--The barbarians are at the gate!  It's time to close this week's "It's Saturday".  Oh ya!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Nothing is opened more by mistake than the mouth!

the flow--Thnaksgiving

The heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is in his heart ~ Benjamin Franklin ~  I must be a fool as I sure ate a lot at our Thanksgiving dinner.  Soooooo did you go with the flow at Thanksgiving?  I mean did you eat pie?  We had a chocolate pie, and a pumpkin pie. Oh! My! Pie!  I read in the paper, so it must be right, that 1 in 5 Americans have eaten an entire pie by themselves!  Are you one of the 5?   I hope I'm thankful for all the blessings I have.  I think I am but sometimes it's hard to analyze myself (i.e. typically, folks think they are better than what they are).  Surely you understand, don'tja?!

MildredTheWildTurkey says--Let’s be honest: sometimes it’s hard to be thankful because we are self-absorbed. It’s easy to think that our problems are more urgent and serious than other people’s. But serving others is a practical way to become more thankful and less selfish.  Reflect: If you find it difficult this year to be thankful, take time off from thinking about yourself. Instead, think of one way to serve those around you. Use it as an act of thanksgiving and praise.  SusieQ says--My thankfulness is sorta kinda an ebb and flow!

ItchieBitchie says--Run now, eat later. I'm very thankful for our family.  We have had the opportunity to be together here in Morrison, CO (i.e. three grand kids and a dog).  Well, I did it.  I ran a 5K (i.e. 3.12 miles) Thanksgiving morning at Clement Park in Littleton.  The run/walk is called The Clement Park Gobble Wobble.  I had the opportunity to run with our family (i.e. James, Chet (i.e. Mable their dog ran with him), Jessica, and I ran while Arlene and Heather walked--Heather is a runner but couldn't run soooooo sooooooon after childbirth).  Now that is something that I'm thankful for and it will be a great memory.  I guess some of you would think that's going against the flow of most families.  Maybe soooooooo and maybe not!  Surely you understand my feelings, don'tja!

Runner magazines say you got to get in the flow a.k.a. the grove.  I seem to get in the flow but my flooooooow is a slooooooooow flow.  Arlene says--erv, you gotta remember your old!  What!  I'm not old compared to some folks who are 100.  LuckieEddie says--When your memories outweigh your dreams, then you are old.  I ran my 5k in a time of  34.51.  I really don't know if I will be "really" a runner.  I'm just a half-ass runner at this point I think.  Surely some of you understand.  Hey, when I started training, I didn't know if I could run 3.12 miles.  Sooooo now I can do it but I think I should run faster. What's gong on anyway erv!  And you know what folks--no one really cares except me (i.e. it all goes for naught).  TomTheWildGobbler says--erv, take it easy on yourself "you'rejustoneoldbaldturkey", just go with the flow.  Relax a little bit!  Yabut, the slowest turkey gets his head cut off--usually!!!!!  A friend told me to just enjoy the moment and remember it.  Another friend said--Remember it's not about the time you get, it's about the time you're having.  Enjoy your time with your family. I did not see another runner my age of the approximately 600 folks in the GobbleWobble.  I thought one lady who ran by me for a little while was my age.  I said to a lady--Not many runners in our age group--she said, how old are you--65--oh, I'm 57 (i.e. ouchy ouchy--never guess a woman's age).  I tell you what--it felt good to be able to do it.  FYI James--26.45 ~ Chet--28.45 ~ Jessica--33.58

We had a most delightful Thanksgiving dinner late afternoon.  It was just plain delicious.  James and Heather invited a couple of their couplefriendsandfamiles plus a neighbor who's husband was gone for Thanksgiving.  They all brought their favorite dishes.  All the 5 adult guests were not native of CO.  They were from IL, MD, NY, NJ, and CT.  They all came for the Rockies and stayed.  JennfromNewEngland brought a creamed onion dish that was really different and good (i.e. I like onions).  She said they have that a lot in CT area.  I made a couple of my Mom's favorite salads too (i.e. they were good and also made me think of Anna).  Their neighbor, IL-Erica age 38,  actually ran in the Gobble Wobbly tooooo.  Se has been running for about a year and ran her personal best--35.57.  She was excited.

Sometimes the flow hits a snag (i.e. like the flow of the river having a ice dam).  Those snags make us wonder sometimes.  We have the choice to concentrate on the snag or be thankful for all the times the flow goes oh sooooo well.  And there will be snags in life, oh ya.  Soooooo don't be surprised when they happen.  My deceased neighbor (i.e. a guy with a good massive huge heart--a real person) responded to his wife when he was very ill after she asked him, why him--why not me?  Soooooo folks, be thankful for all the good that you experience.  And there is a lot of good to be thankful for (i.e. my opinion).  Maybe some of you think I'm too much of a Pollyanna.  While running around Clement Lake on our 5K run there is a sign that says--Pick up your dog's poop, there is no poop fairy.  Sooooo maybe we think we deserve a fairy on our side all the time.  Such is life.

EasyFlowWilma says--It's easy to go with the flow.  You don't cause any ripples, challenges, additional work, change, or advancement.  Some folks' flow is very ridged and has a very narrow range (i.e. their interest range is very small).  Changing the flow sometimes takes someone to light a fire under the satus quo!  Ya need to take a look under the hood to see what's making the flow run!  It takes some audacious folks with some mantra to change the flow that has been runnin' for ever!  Generally someone comes along who is a bundle of feistiness and has strong notions a.k.a. a renegade or an entrepreneur.  When that change in the flow happens, it's like a breadth of fresh air for some and others, it's a pain in the butt.  Sometimes it takes a Luther to play the boggy woggy in the strangest kind of way to get the adrenalin going!  That Luther can do it folks!

Surely Jesus wasn't a flowmaster now was He.  I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and crowd, "I find no basis for a charge against this man."  But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching.  He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."...But they kept shouting.  Crucify him!  Crucify him! Man, he was a real radical alright!

Flow says--Many folks who seem thankful also seem strong and humble and real (i.e. surely you know some of these folks).  They don't want their names mentioned.  As the saying goes--Fools' names like fools' faces, Are often seen in public places!  Joesixpack says--Yabut if you drink enough Coors, you can loose your thankful attitude and become a fool. Talking about drinking Coors, I was going to do the tour of their brewery when we were in Morrison for the birth of Easton.  I have done it before but thought it would be fun to do it again.  I went to their web site to get information about the tour and it read--No Troublemakers, Fakers, Phonies, or Frauds.  Certified Beer Drinkers Only!  Well, I not much of a beer drinker sooooo that makes me all of the above!  Soooooo instead, I went for a hike on Red Rock Trial (i.e. I did the Morrison Loop) just a little NW of the Red Rock Amphitheatre (i.e. I bet some of you have hiked it).  Besides, LuckieEddie says--Love and liquor can make you weak at the knees!  Surely some of you can understand that.  Such is life.

Surely some of you understand what AverageJoe is saying.  AverageJoe says--Sometimes we’re tempted to can the Christian life because it feels unrewarding. Growth seems painfully slow: the same sins tempt us, character flaws depress us, our spiritual life feels stale. We begin to wonder, “What’s the point of it all?”  During these spiritual dry spells, thanksgiving is difficult because we feel hopeless and discouraged. One of the first habits of the thankful heart is to remember—to spend time reflecting on the past and the ways in which God has been at work in our lives.  LuckieEddie says--One of the best "builderupers-of-the-mind" is to be thankful.  Thankful folks are much better off in sooooo many ways.  Soooooo train your mind to be THANKFUL even if it is hard.  Reflect: How has God changed you and challenged you over this last year? Thank God for the areas in your life that are under construction.

Last Saturday I stopped by a neighbor.  She uses my binoculars to look at the thermometer I  have in the window of our house each day to see if the heat is on.  ANYWAY She was chewing on something.  She said--I couldn't get the last half of the bar in the container sooooooo I was eating it.  Ya sure!  Surely I believe that!!!!  Actually another neighbor passed away and she was bringing some food over to the family.  She lost her husband this last year and said--Folks really don't understand the emotions of losing a mate until it happens.  We probably don't understand the flow of emotions until it happens to us. 

Just go with the flow! What movie is this from movie buffs? -- Rumack: I won't deceive you, Mr. Striker. We're running out of time. Ted Striker: Surely there must be something you can do. Rumack: I'm doing everything I can... and stop calling me Shirley! Soooooooo movie buffs, what movie is that from.

MissPerfect says--I hope your Thanksgiving pie eating stays off your thighs and butt!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--The impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping hand of a neighbor.