it's a toss up

"I never graduated from Iowa. But I was only there for two terms - Truman's and Eisenhower's" --  Alex Karras / Iowa

I’m in the minority again.  Soooo I could be wrong. My next door neighbors have dogs (i.e. one has one plus a cat and one has two). My neighbors across the street each have dogs (i.e. one has two and one has one; there must be something wrong with me; I must be missing something!  Take that into consideration when reading this It’s Saturday.

Most dog owners feed their dog(s) the best possible ration soooo they can be healthy at any cost.  They also feed them just the right amount soooo they don’t get fat. They even take them for a walk every day because it’s good for them. Flip the pancake, many parents feed their children all the worst foods and high amounts and let them spend hours on their electronic devices. What! When I was a kid at a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN, our dogs got the table scraps and they seemed to do quite well but us kids ate the good stuff first, they got the leftovers if they liked it or not! Actually, we ate a lot of stuff out of the garden. The reason was it was cheap food and my Mom, Anna, worked very hard and was frugal!

Flipthepancake!  A friend who is a retired small animal veterinarian told me that for many senior widows and widowers a pet is a very good companion, and the cost is small for preventive good mental health. He said he would ask them—do you see your kids much—hardly at all; they are too busy with their lives to come and see me. Sooooo their best friend and family is their pet. What! Saturday question—How often do you see your parents or how often do your kids come and see you? A pet will show constant and unconditional love. It is said that some folks say they love their pet more than their spouse! Yikes!

It’s a toss up folks!  A friend is in a book club and one of the gals makes great pies soooo they decided to have her teach them how to make this rhubarb delicious pie.  She sent them the ingredients they were to bring along and one was one stick of butter flavored shorting a.k.a. lard which is very high in calories and latent with fat.  My friend and another of the book club won’t eat it as they think it’s not good for them as one slice has more than their daily intake of calories (i.e. mainly from sugar) and so much fat/cholesterol that it would kill a horse, soooo they gave the pies to friends as a treat!  Their friends loved them! Did you get that, gave it to their friends who get the calories and fat!  haha

Is it a toss up in our minds or do we know it?  I recently had a conversation with a friend who shared some insightful thoughts with me.  I thought this thought was very good for me, maybe you might not. It’s a toss up!!  haha  He said—"If I share the gospel and someone rejects God is that on me? Or if someone accepts the gospel is that because of my smooth talking or because of Gods work? We need to keep Christ at the center of it all and be willing to do what he has called us to do, even if it is difficult.” I took it to stay humble and don’t think we are soooo important, ervie is not in charge of the universe!

I had a conversation with a friend who knew a person who I now know when they were in college.  He sorta kinda mentioned that this person always wanted to be in charge and thought he was better than the rest of the class.  I didn’t say anything, but I get the same impression of him today and he’s probably 60 or so (i.e. and maybe he is better than the rest of us, that could be).  Huh, interesting. But it could be a toss up.  haha

Suggestion but suggestions are a toss up in that you might not even listen to it at all.  I understand you folks! haha I’m Mr. Irrelevant! Brock Purdy was drafted the very last player two years ago in the NFL draft and that position is called Mr. Irrelevant.  He won 5 games at the end of the season last year as qb and got the 49ners in the NFL Championship Game and has won 5 games this year.  From Mr. Irrelevant to Mr. Relevant.  My suggestion might save your life.  Does that make any difference to you? It’s a toss up to some of you. I understand you folks! haha The suggestion is free soooo take it or leave it. I asked my primary physician when doing my Medicare physical if there is anything I could do to be more proactive with my health at my age (i.e. I need another 53 years to do the things we want to do)—he suggested having an EKG and also a chest calcium scan. I accepted). They did the EKG immediately and scheduled the chest scan that gives an amount of calcium a person has in their arteries in determining if there is maybe blockage or potential blockage to prevent a heart attack or death. I asked the technicians if this scan is quite popular—it is more and more all the time, but many folks still don’t want to do it, and some can’t afford it as it costs $150 and it is not covered by insurance.  My score was high soooo my primary doctor had me see a cardiologist for a consultation. He told me that this is only an indication and can be higher with age but quizzed me a lot and since I have not had any symptoms of blockage, he suggested I should have a stress test. I did and it was ok. My doctors tell me to make sure if I have any symptoms of blockage to let them know immediately and they can do a more advance test and if there is blockage, they can put in a preventive stint(s) to prevent a heart attack or death.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it—"The eggs of a potato bug hatch in 7 days. A canary’s eggs hatch in 14 days. A hen’s eggs hatch in 21 days. A goose egg hatches in 28 days. A mallard egg hatches in 35 days. The baby parrot comes out of the shell in 42 days. All are divisible by 7. There are 7 days in a week. Seven is a number of completeness.”  Does that mean anything to you folks? Where does the perfect number 7 come from? Huh, interesting. Maybe just a toss up!

It’s a toss up maybe!  I made shepard’s pie, one of my favorites.  I make it in a casserole container which I can have 3 or 4 meals from.  After I had the first meal, I didn’t put the rest in the frig as my Mom, Anna, never did until it was cooler.  I never did understand why she did that.  It never made any sense to me soooo I googled it. It said—USDA suggest you don’t refrigerate it until it cools off but it’s unclear why!  That made me laugh; I put in the frig.  Soooo I asked OneSmartFriend why we can’t put it in the refrigerator right away.  She told me it is probably because years ago the hot food melted the ice faster in the ice box soooo they waited to put the food in the ice box until it cooled off.  Makes sense. BUT sense grandma did it, the next generations still do it.  Aren’t we something? Soooooo the Butler County farmers don’t do what grandpa did, oh no.  They change.  The reason why is if they can make more money and make their life easier, they change. haha

It’s a toss up! Dr.J wrote—"We sometimes discover that a friend had a need that he or she didn’t make known or went through a time of trouble without asking for help. And we say, ‘Why didn’t you say something? Why didn’t you call me? You know I would have been there.’ And the answer is often, ‘I didn’t want to bother you. This was my problem, and I needed to solve it myself.’” Suggestion—Give the gift of teaching a person “to ask for help” and then helping them!  WorldClassLarry says—Here is something to think about: make a huge massive effort to help someone who needs a boast! C’mon folks, get with it! Maybe help the poor and needy with their problems; the elite a.k.a. financially rich can buy help if they need it but the poor can’t.  BUT remember, it might be harder to help the poor (i.e. usually it’s more complicated)! It’s a lot easier to give $5 to a mission agency and let them take care of it and besides, it makes us feel like we are really doing our part! Such is life!

"Snakes Alive!" "Great Balls of Fire!" We are in Branson to watch some Christmas shows, enjoy life, and explore Jeanne's early life's history as her early childhood was in this area (i.e. near Red Top, MO). There are many white hairs and guys with no hair here spending some of their retirement money!  It reminded me of a story my mentor told me about himself many years ago. He and his wife where here in Branson going to a show. His wife went to the bathroom and he was waiting in the lobby for her. There was a group of mentally challenged folks being lead by several leaders going to the show who were in the lobby as well. One of the leaders came up to my friend and told him he needs to get in line; just follow Betty Lou.  He tried to explain to her that he wasn't part of the group. She said--I understand but just get in line and follow Betty Lou!  My friend told his wife--It was a toss up if I belonged with them or not; obviously the leader thought I belonged with them! Such is life in Branson!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said--Be too busy to worry in the day...you'll be too sleepy to worry at night.

adventure mode

It’s an adventure mode to be around folks.  It’s also an adventure mode to be alone. Saturday question—Which adventure mode do you prefer?  I really don’t know which one I prefer. I like them both; I always have. If you are around a person or persons 24/7 for long periods of time, it seems to work a lot better if folks are very compatible.  If not, well, it seems like it doesn’t work very well.  They get under each other’s skin! They need some space. SusieQ says—Relationships are adventures alright! I read that about 50% of all marriages in America end in a divorce. That must mean that not everyone gets along.  Even many marriages don’t look soooo pleasant to me (i.e. some seem to be a mess).  But some really seem good. What is the secret do you think or what is the problem do you think?

Have you ever had/have an event become known as “The Great Excitement.” Do you folks like adventure? I seem too and seek it some.  When we are excited about something, we seem to think about it constantly and want to do it all the time. Sooo what excitement do you have in your life? How can we create excitement? Why wouldn’t we want excitement in our lives? What can we do to create some excitement? I was invited to go on a hiking and camping trip next summer and sleep in a tent!  We will be 78. Now that could be an adventure!

I really never got it but now I do, at least I understand it more!  I got it by having an interest about Zack Wilson, New York Jets’ quarterback, while watching him play the other night.  Sooooo I googled him and found out some information about him. One thing I learned is that he has ADHD. A friend told me a little about it, but I really didn’t understand it.  Sooooo I researched it and learned a lot. If you have it or have a friend or family member who does, you know all about it (i.e. how folks act who have it). It’s not curable but manageable; it has nuttin to do with intelligence; they have it for life; it’s genetic.  I now have a little understanding of folks who have it or I think they have it.  It changes my perspective about them.

I read there is a difference between acceptance and approval of folks. They are very, very different. They both are “adventure modes” for sure. CrazyMarvin, who is very muscled,  says—Our family won’t accept anyone in our family if we don’t approve of them (i.e. we throw them under the bus). YaBut Crazy Marvin, wouldn’t it be better to accept them even if you don’t approve of them because of some reason? Saturday question—Can you love someone even if you don’t approve of them? It appears that some folks are better at accepting others better than others. It’s an adventure for sure! I have a friend (i.e. is it you) who is very good at accepting folks for who they are. They are very good at it. MissPerfect says—The church that I sometimes attend isn’t very good at accepting all folks (i.e. very legalist and judgmental); that confuses me! That is sorta kinda an oxymoron to me!

My neighbor was admiring the beauty of their tree and it’s fall color.  She said that since they took down the tree next to it, the tree has grown much more out sense it had room to grow which made the tree much prettier.  Sooooo, I was wondering if we sometimes had/have folks around us who have/had hurt or are hindering our growth and beauty.  I know I have somewhat removed myself from a group of folks and I’m much happier (i.e. I don’t know if I am any prettier though)! haha 

Talk about an adventure mode! RickyRick says-“And, if you don’t live a life of love, then nothing you give will matter. ‘If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing’ (1 Corinthians 13:3 NLT). Love isn’t always the motivation for giving. Some people give just to get back, or out of guilt, or for control or prestige. You can give for a lot of reasons, but the Bible says if you’re not doing it out of love, then none of your giving counts. Finally, if you don’t live a life of love, then nothing you accomplish will matter. You can rack up an incredible list of personal achievements. You can get your picture on the cover of Fortune magazine. You can win the Nobel Peace Prize. You can have enormous accomplishments, be entrepreneur of the year, build a billion-dollar company, have incredibly great successes in your field of endeavor. But the Bible says it isn’t worth much if you don’t love. The Bible says—God says—that life is about relationships, not accomplishments.”

George Washington said—"It is better to be alone than with bad company.” I have thought about that a lot in the last several years, I decided I would rather be alone than with bad company. BUT I sure enjoy being around good company! I have seen and heard of this by observing many folks who are miserable being around bad company and others who really enjoy life being around good company. And ervie gets to make the decision who he wants to be around now doesn’t he. Saturday question—Who is bad company and who is good company? I do know how I enjoy good relationships, yes I do! They are tremendous adventure modes a.k.a. a big plus of life. CoachB says--The right partner will make you better and stronger and the wrong partner will make you weaker and worse. Soooo, choose your partner wisely!  That is his opinion! C'mon erv, that's just common sense; you don't need to be a rocket scientist to figure that out! A nice, sweet, wise friend says--My dream a.k.a. adventure mode is for you and I to grow side by side, intertwining but never interfering in each other's growth, promoting joy and happiness together.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--Misguided, short-term thinking can get us into trouble. The other morning it was the first cold day of fall being 40, overcast and the wind blowing about 30.  I crawled in the shower and took a long, (i.e. and I mean long) hot shower.  It felt soooo comfortable. I probably almost used most of the hot water but I’m alone, soooo who cares. Besides, I pay the gas and water bills! I thought of all the good events of yesterday and also the most pleasant conversation I had before going to bed the night before. They were all great adventures and I really enjoyed them. It was hard to get out of the warm cozy shower and out of such a happy adventure mode. And you folks wonder if I really eat oatmeal with half a banana on it!

Here is a real adventure mode for me to think about.  OneSmartPerson says—"We often look at people and think, “Look how far they have to go. But we don’t stop and say, I wonder how far they’ve come? Maybe they were raised in a family where they had no model of kindness or courtesy. Maybe they grew up in a very dysfunctional home, and it’s a miracle, really, that they made it this far. What are the burdens they’re carrying? They may be sick. They may have a family issue. They may have just lost their job. There are all kinds of battles and burdens people carry that you and I don’t know about. Proverbs 19:11 tells us to overlook offenses. Do you overlook offenses, or are you offended by offenses? Are you so touchy and irritable that you’re offended by anybody who looks at you funny or forgets to say something or doesn’t see you? Love lets it go.” ervie, get it figured out!

Quiet desperation or joyful anticipation! BobbyT says—"Back in the mid-1800s, essayist, poet and philosopher Henry David Thoreau made a statement that has become familiar to many of us, The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.’ In Thoreau’s extended quotation, he said, ‘What is called resignation is confirmed desperation…. A stereotyped but unconscious despair is concealed even under what are called the games and amusements of mankind.’” I think that is where “the adventure mode” can be a great benefit. An adventure mode is more than an attitude of a $20,000 trip (e.g. it could be going for a fall walk with a friend or going by yourself). Make it an adventure and we can become joyful. That is just my opinion. But a $20,000 trip might work tooooo!

I believe that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind! I think that is a choice that I have. Maybe you don’t think you can alter your choice, but I know I can. It’s like a friend who says when something doesn’t go his way—it’s not a problem erv, it’s an opportunity! I really believe that my attitude really can affect the quality of my life. Soooo then if I am right, I can change my choice that can change my life?  For me, I pretty much know what that choice is; it has really worked for me in my life (i.e. it’s the conclusion of the matter a.k.a. the meaning of life to me).

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—To stay young, associate with youth…to grow old, try to keep up with them.

riled up

I have learned once again that the opinions of the folks in Butler County IA, population of 14,175, a county that still does not have one stop light, and is 81.8% white, may have changed a little through the years, but not the fact that they still think that they are 100% right! But then again, it seems that everyone thinks that!

Thanksamillion to all you folks who have helped me paddle in my life. You know who you are! I would never have had such a great life if it wasn’t for you folks. No question! I was once again reminded of this when reading Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven (i.e. you might have read his little book or heard his speech). It’s good and was given to me by a friend. William says this—“Like the small rubber raft we had in basic SEAL training, it takes a team of good people to get you to your destination in life. You cannot paddle the boat alone. Find someone to share your life with. Make as many friends as possible, and never forget that our success depends on others.”

We get riled up about seemingly good events and good stuff in our lives and about seemingly bad events and bad stuff in our lives. I don’t have to tell you what they are in your life, you know, we all do. But here is what I find hard to understand, how can we really express our emotions and feelings to others. I really don’t think we can completely understand other folks’ emotions and feelings but just a portion of them and then another person can’t really understand ours as they have not ever experienced the same situation and also their mind is different than ours. We are all programed by genetics, our past environment and our current environment.  We are all programed differently.

I was introduced to the study of neurodiversity by a friend. I have never heard of it or had any knowledge of it. It ain’t nuttin new but I have found it quite interesting and researched it some. Basically, we all don’t think alike, and we can’t make others think like us; we are different. We enjoy others who are similar to us but none of us are exactly the same. I hear folks say—I have no idea how they can think that way!  Well folks, they think different than another person. AverageJoe says—Well, some are brainwashed, that’s for certain! Now that could be AverageJoe, it seems like some folks are brainwashed easier than others. And why is that? I really think we are all mentally ill but just to different degrees! 

Coaches, political candidates, parents, religious leaders, news casts, teachers, unions, business leaders, etc. all rile folks up.  Sometimes it is for the better and sometimes not soooo much for the better. They might be messed up themselves and think way differently than normal folks do (i.e. and who is normal). But as long as they can influence folks and get them riled up and get a following, they have an army. In a democratic form of government, it is much easier to do than in a communist form of government it appears. But then again, if folks get desperate enough, history proves it can be done.

CadillacJack says--And we all get riled up about different things and at different excitement levels. Sometimes it’s fun to be around riled up folks and sometimes it just isn’t (i.e. at least I’m talking about myself in regards to radicals; they can be a pain for me). ItchieBitchie says—The only folks who enjoy radicals are other radicals and they don’t even seem to really like each other!

I think we all have different minds just like we have different fingerprints.  We are all unique alright.  GeorgeTheCrook says—For sure no one has a mind like my sister-in-law; not even close; I have no idea what God was thinking when He put her mind together! Yabut GeorgeTheCrook, she might think the same about you! A friend told me that his father called him " the different one in our family."  He said he took that as a compliment from his father. 

And of course, there are folks that have all kinds of excuses about themselves, and others have none.  What a difference for sure. Some never think their bad actions or thinking is their fault but always someone else’s fault.  But some give others credit for their good actions and thinking. Again, big difference in folks. My neighbor works as a register of prisoners at a large county jail. She says that they all get riled up and say that it was not their fault but someone else’s fault why they are going to jail. Da!

A golf buddy told me that if politicians tell the same lie 7 times, then the folks believe it’s the truth.  MissPerfect says, that’s the truth, it works when speakers want to get your attention and want you to remember something, they use repetition. Now that is how politicians get folks riled up!  Now that is psychology at its best! They know what they are doing! Oh ya! RickyRick says--If you don’t live a life of love, then nothing you say will matter (i.e. repeat that 7 times).

CoachB says—The two most important controllable factors of health are exercise and eating habits (i.e. enjoy life more by being in shape).  I have a friend (i.e. is it you or could it be you) who is “living poetry”—poetry offers examples of language and stocks the mind with images and ideas expressed in unforgettable words and phrases and actions. Soooo how can we live a life of living poetry? Get riled up folks!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—Don’t save so much for the rainy days that you can’t enjoy the sunny ones.

right or wrong

For ever I have been wrong when I thought I was right! Da!  We went for a hike in Boulder, CO and I discovered that I thought the flat irons were like flat surfaces of the mountains horizontally but no no, they are like the old flat irons sitting up.  Da!  Sooo take that into consideration when reading this “It’s Saturday” as I really have no idea what is right or wrong!

JoeBlow says--We have to make the best of our reality no matter what it is now. We must. It’s reality or are we living in a virtual reality? Do you think we sometimes get confused what our real reality really is?  Like which reality is right or wrong? I don’t know JoeBlow; I get confused a lot. My mentor would say--erv, it's never as good as it looks and it's never as bad as it looks!

ItchieBitchie says--We are never too important to be nice to people no matter how important we think we are. That sure sounds right to me ItchieBitchie.

Loneliness and hopelessness. In January 2023, the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA) asked a national sample of U.S. adults age 50–80 questions about loneliness (measured by their feelings of isolation and lack of companionship) and their social interactions. One in three adults age 50–80 (34%) reported feeling isolated from others. Liz Bohannon, who spoke at the 2023 Global Leadership Summit, said that 58% of Americans report being lonely, 70% of leaders report being lonely and 78% of young people report being lonely. She then said--We all need community and support of friends. Relationships with friends are the most important long-term predictor of happiness. I think she might be right about that.

I read in the newspaper soooo it must be right--In recent years, protests have erupted across America. Depending on which side of an issue you identify with, you’ll consider a given protest needlessly destructive or justifiably disruptive. Ouchy ouchy! Saturday question—Soooo how do we know if we are right about an issue? Maybe we just think we are right but maybe we are wrong.  How do we decide if we are right or wrong?  Maybe it’s good to stay as lose as a goose!

You think all folks have good and bad in them?  I hope that all of us have good in us. ThePersonNorthOfTown says--Sometimes I wonder about some folks!  I think I know that all of us have some bad in us, sorry to say but do all of us have some good in us! Maybe some have more good than bad in them! Is good and bad in us taught or what? When hiking to Emerald Lake in the Rocky Mountain National Park, we came upon two young ladies sitting on a rock eating their snacks while overlooking a beautiful view. We talked to them and found them very pleasant and dynamic and charming. They were past college friends from the East. We told them how neat they were, and they responded—Our mothers taught us well! I have a friend who is great; I think why she is soooo great is that she doesn’t know she is great!!!!  She is always cute (i.e. happy gals are always cuter); she always has a smile from ear to ear!  How can she go wrong with that attitude!

CoachB says—What does the best year of our life look like?  What are the qualities that made that year soooo great?  What did we have? How did we feel? Is this what we are trying to achieve in our life now? Are we chasing after the wind and not pursuing what produces what we want? Again, what was or is the best year of our life? Are we living our life right or wrong? CrazyMarvin says—I have no idea, I’m just living my life a.k.a. kicking the same can down the same road!

JoeTheWorld proclaims—Be like me! Be like me and I will make you beautiful and successful!  We seem to be bombarded continuously by JoeTheWorld doesn’t it. Saturday question—How do we decide what is right or wrong?  I guess that is up to us; we make the decision. It appears that we are encouraged and nudged by folks who we are around.  Look around folks, it’s not rocket science! Da! Isn’t there a saying—Birds of a feather flock together (e.g. radicals flock together).

I read this story while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--The wife of a well-known, brilliant professor once recounted to me a conversation with her future mother-in-law, who gave this advice: “Make sure you don’t compliment him too much. It will go to his head, and he’s already too boastful.” Boatsful or humble, which one is right and which one is wrong?  SmartAleckTrish asks—Does anyone really like to be around boastful folks a.k.a. narcissistic folks)?

What is good for the goose is good for the gander. Or is it?  Sometimes we just talk big, but we justify our behavior. Our behavior is okay for us but not for others (i.e. we have two standards). An example is when we complain that a certain group of folks get welfare, but we get large amounts of aid from the government ourselves.  Isn’t that like a double standard? It’s got to be right or wrong; it can’t be both or does it just matter how it affects me (i.e. it’s all about me me me)! Aren’t we something else!  It’s all about the money! 

A friend told me--You’re in the right place at the right time doing the right thing. Or maybe you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time doing the wrong thing.  Soooo how do we know? It’s sorta kinda like what I saw on the olive oil bottle—you are either a virgin or not a virgin; how can you be extra virgin? Help me here! Sooooo how in the world do we decide what is right or wrong?  There has to be some measuring stick in the sand, doesn’t there. Where does that measuring stick come from. If there is no measuring standard, then there is no right or wrong. JoeSmart says—It seems like everyone has a different measuring stick sooo that means everyone has a different right and wrong!  Saturday question—Can we be a little right and a little wrong? Ouchy ouchy! Can our right and wrong change from day to day?

Generally when we do wrong we end up in a mess! Messes are not good! If you have ever been in a mess, you know that!  Yikes! Sooo why then do we do wrong! And when is the best time to do right, maybe it’s now!  RickyRick says--For us, doing right might look like visiting someone in the hospital, writing a letter to someone who’s lonely, having breakfast with an old friend or being kind to your obnoxious coworker. Whatever right looks like for you, you should do it now. The Bible says, “Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now” (Proverbs 3:27-28). Saturday question—Do you think the Bible is a standard of what is right or wrong? MissPerfect, who always runs downhill with the wind at her back, says--I think I need to do about 1,000 mental squats to get my mind in shape!

I’m totally convinced that we can’t go wrong by showing gratitude. I think it’s a great medicine. It appears that folks who are grateful are always better folks (i.e. that is my opinion). You might think I’m wrong but are you happy?

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.  SusieQ says--C’mon erv, everyone knows that.  Then why do soooo many folks not do what is right and not save their time and effort by doing the wrong stuff? Answer me that will ya SusieQ!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—Conscience is the small voice you listen to after you tell it what to say.

the big picture

A nephew-in-law says--I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather. Not screaming in terror like the passengers in his car.

Some folks can really talk fast. I have to laugh when I hear those fast talkers do commercials on TV.  I can’t imagine how they can do that. But then again, maybe folks think I’m a fast talker toooo.  There are two types of fast talkers.  Do you know slow talkers, the kind that you want to help them talk as they are soooo slow and seem like it takes them forever to say anything. Coach says—We got to get after it; you got to do more than just try but we have to fry; get our mind in shape, get our body in shape, get our spirit in shape, get our money in shape, get our relationships in shape, etc. We got to quit trying but start frying it (i.e. in fast talk, get after it). Now that is the big picture folks a.k.a. longview, overview, long range view.

I read while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it that many folks run out of things to look forward to. What! I’m going to run out of time but not things to do; that is what I am concerned about.  I also read this by RickyRick--Do not procrastinate but to get after it; seize the moment. The clock is a ticking folks; I don’t want to waste my life. Life is good as the tee shirt that Jeanne gave me says. WorldClassLarry says—Don’t sit on the couch and eat chips, get going; don’t waste your life just complaining and watching the news; that is a waste of time! OneSmartPerson says—Make every day an adventure! See the big picture.

I sent a text to my old old golf buddies who I played golf with in AZ and asked them how they are doing. One of those old old buddies responded--I'm doing well erv. A lot has happened since we last played golf. I found an error on my birth certificate and I'm actually 5 yrs younger than I thought, I won the lottery, got my pilots license, remarried a much younger wealthy widow, moved to Dublin, playing some great Irish/Scottish courses and my handicap has dropped to 5! How's life treating you?

Dr.J says—"Pride thrives on a competitive nature that tries to remain on top. Pride is a brutal master; it keeps you struggling, striving, and grasping for some kind of worldly recognition and success. If you want to experience peace, live humbly and be content in what God has given you and called you to do.” But occasionally, they express a unique kind of grief: running out of things to look forward to (i.e. I think we always need things to look forward to, my opinion). Stephen says--“I just glanced at some trophies on my bookshelves. So many have been discarded over the years, but a few remain to remind me of tennis victories or basketball participation. I remember working hard to win them, then displaying them proudly. Now they seem forgotten except for an occasional glance and the fleeting memory of a triumph.” Those past trophies remind me of how small they are compared to the big picture! 

I wonder if many times I really don’t see the big picture but just a little of it through my eyes (i.e. very small portion). Sometimes I wonder if I see a skewed portion of the big picture. WorldClassLarry says—erv, first you have to decide what the big picture is. Soooo how do I do that WorldClassLarry?

AverageJoe says--Don't Miss Out In Life, Enjoy What Life Has For You; you gotta see the big picture. This is David’s story (i.e. anybody can be a David)--“When I walked into the gift shop, I was greeted with a cheery ‘Good afternoon!’ The young salesperson chattered brightly as she pointed out the shop’s unique products, shared my observations about the weather, helped me choose a gift, and neatly wrapped my purchase. ‘You must really enjoy what you’re doing,’ I said. ‘Actually, I hate it,’ she replied. ‘I’m only doing this because I have to. I can’t wait till six o’clock comes so I can join my friends on the beach!’ As I walked away, I reflected on this young woman’s behavior. She had given me the impression that she enjoyed her work. In reality, however, she was merely putting in time” Boy, I hope we don’t use our lives and time on this earth this way!  Wouldn’t that be a waste and a mess! 

If you do not expect it, you will not find the unexpected, for it is hard to find and difficult. Heraclitus 500 B.C-Greek Philosopher

I read this that is sorta kinda the big picture, I think anyway--Paul wrote two lengthy passages addressing this issue in 1 Corinthians 10:14–11:1 and Romans 14:1-23. In short, he said that there was no harm in eating meat from pagan temples, but he left the decision up to the individual. More importantly, he cautioned against letting one’s own conscience be a standard of judgment against others. He said that peace in the church and mutual edification were most important (Romans 14:19). As always, love was to be the guide: “Love...does not seek its own” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). In all our relationships—home, work, church—we are to love one another, not judge one another. Pursue peace and edification wherever you go today. SusieQ says--I seem to forget the big picture some times! Ouchy ouchy!

In December 2008, Bernard Madoff was arrested for fraud. For years, Madoff promoted a massive Ponzi scheme consisting not of real assets but money contributed by investors. By the time the scheme was exposed, the money was gone. Thousands of investors, who entrusted entire fortunes to Madoff, were left with nothing. They placed vain hope in a payoff that didn’t exist. In December 2008, Bernard Madoff was arrested for fraud. For years, Madoff promoted a massive Ponzi scheme consisting not of real assets but money contributed by investors. By the time the scheme was exposed, the money was gone. Thousands of investors, who entrusted entire fortunes to Madoff, were left with nothing. They placed vain hope in a very high payoff that didn’t exist. Many folks didn’t see the big picture maybe!

RickyRick says—"Not only have you made mistakes in the past, but you’ll also make more in the future. I guarantee it.” Even if I play it safe and refuse to take risks, which is a mistake, I will make mistakes. Soooo don’t be surprised folks when you make mistakes BUT I pray for wisdom that I may make good or at least better decisions (i.e. put the odds in my favor) soooo I don’t have to suffer soooo many results of bad decisions. BUT I still will make mistakes, no question, absolutely, for sure; even if I don’t do anything that is not completely bad, I still must suffer the consequences. Soooo I’m doomed to make bad decisions. Such is life. I thank God for being good to me; now that changes the perspective. Yes it does! Completely totally entirely fully without question absolutely! It’s affords me to see the big picture!

AverageJoe says--Sometimes it’s not about money, it’s not about luxury, it’s about enjoying what you have. As you pray, thank God for being good to you.

When in Golden, CO, Jeanne and I had some ice cream at a little shop on main street. The young gal, named Stephany was a very neat gal. Jeanne asked her if she was a student—no and yes, I graduated from high school and hope to go to school to be a pilot—wow, that’s neat—I am the first person in my family to graduate from high school. We wished her the best and told her to do well, make your dreams happen; you can do it!  She was getting out of the runt; seeing what life would be like if she did something different. She was seeing the big picture.

A friend sent me some thoughts to think about relating to the big picture: erv, always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them. erv, if you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague. erv, it may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to be kind to others. erv, never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.

A friend, John (i.e. anybody can be a John), who we became friends a zillion years ago sent me this about the big picture:  Abdominal Fat Linked to Lower Brain Volume in Midlife; ”Great, I'm not only overweight, I'm stupid.” In large study of healthy middle-aged adults, greater visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat on abdominal MRI predicted brain atrophy on imaging, especially in women. Holy smokes!

Now this is seeing the big picture--If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said--With a good hobby you can find yourself and lose yourself at the same time.

feathers ruffled

 A nephew-in-law says--I needed a password eight characters long, so I picked Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

I have to admit that what Niles wrote sorta kinda ruffled my internal feathers. I wonder if I always think right? I guess if folks think they are always right, then nuttin affects them, maybe! They don’t get their internal feathers ruffled!  Why would they if they are sure they know everything, I guess. Well, I admit, I don’t know everything. Soooo that is why I get my internal feathers ruffled maybe. BUT I have to admit that I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN.

Niles wrote--Intellectual humility is about understanding and acknowledging the limits of one’s knowledge, about recognizing that the things we believe in might be wrong, about being open to new ideas and opposing viewpoints, and about being willing to seek out information that conflicts with our worldviews. It’s about being willing to admit mistakes and being comfortable saying: “I don’t know” and “I could be wrong.”

I had professors in a state school when getting my Master’s who thought they were right. They had the power to say they were right. I didn’t always agree. I would answer their test questions the way they wanted them answered soooo I could get a B which was a passing grade in graduate school. It worked but it wasn’t what I thought was right. I didn’t buy into their thinking of what they thought was right sometimes. No no! BUT I got my degree! Da! I don’t want to live my life that way! No I don’t! At least I don’t think soooo!  haha JoeBlow says—I don’t either unless there is a lot of money at stake and then I can fake it!  Such is life.

 I know a person that half of what he says isn’t true and the other half I don’t believe!  He is very accurate!  When touring Jerusalem, our guide told us each year there are at least a handful of folks who come declaring they are Jesus and have returned.  Soooo far, none of them have been the real deal! They proved to be all mental ill he thought!  There have been many religious leaders who have been way out in left field or is it right field (i.e. ANYWAY, they think they know everything) and develop a cult following only to end up in a disaster a.k.a. a mess. History teaches us this. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out! It probably has happened right here in Butler County and that stands for Trouble with a capital “T” and that rhymes with “P” and that stands for problems! Houston, we have a problem!

Wil Rogers said--Don't let yesterday use up too much of today.

Niles then said--This doesn’t mean having no opinions, or being a pushover, or lacking confidence. Rather, it means being honest about our own shortcomings, biases, and blind spots, and about accepting the possibility of being only half-right or even completely wrong.

ItchieBitchie says--I don’t want to let my emotions and thinking get out of hand like some football fans do! That is crazy. They seem to have lost reality. It’s that time of the year again. Some might lack intellectual humility or something anyway (i.e. or maybe drink too much Bud Lite). They become way out of wack, my opinion! For sure they are not very open minded, my opinion. Not much fun to be around! They lose their perspective of life it seems!

I read most of the book, Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown as a suggestion of a friend. Maybe you have read it as well.  ANYWAY, here is part of what I read—According to researchers, self-righteousness is the conviction that one’s beliefs and behaviors are the most correct. They see things as black and white, they tend to be closed-minded, inflexible, intolerant of ambiguity, and less likely to consider others’ opinions.  The author told this story about herself—I can tell you exactly what I was wearing and where I was sitting twenty-five years ago when someone in an AA meaning said, “Part of my sobriety is letting go of self-righteousness. It is really hard because it feels so good. Like a pig rolling in shit.” I remember thinking, Oh God, I’m not sure I know exactly what that means, but I think I roll around in that shit.

Niles also said--I like it when someone says, This is how I see it. Here are the reasons why I see it this way. I’m pretty sure about this. But I might be wrong. Conversely, I don’t like it when someone is too sure of themselves. When they are too convinced that they are right. When they possess no doubts whatsoever. (That’s usually a sign of a number of alarming characteristics, including ignorance, naivete, black-or-white thinking, lack of self-awareness, a failure to understand the nuances of life, and so on.).

I have asked myself—Why not think this way regarding going forward with my life. I might just do that in a big way. I liked the saying which has been an ethos embodied by the Navy—to put the mission first, then teammates, and both before self. I am going to apply that to my relationships. I think it’s good. What do you think? That is what I thought. The crew on the Lady Washington wore these tee shirts.

Erin really enjoys being part of the color guard with the marching band of Dakota Ridge High School. It takes a lot of teamwork for the show to be really good. If the students are just for themselves, it just doesn’t produce a good show. I think that team concept is important in most everything. Take a look around folks, it doesn’t take rocket science to figure this out. In many larger schools, this competition is as important as football (i.e. but not soooo much in Butler County). Erin’s marching band and show competition has a budget of about $100,000 I was told. That takes a very active music association.

Jimmer likes baseball and would like to try to play in high school (i.e. he is a 6^th grader).  He is involved in an all-star culture to try to get on an all star team and get more exposure and experience.  If he has a chance to play high school baseball, it appears this is the route he must go or he probably won’t have a chance (i.e. this ain’t Butler County folks). What do you think of that?

On Bainbridge Island our hosts got us into the island’s boat/shell house on Puget Sound. It is home to the island’s rowing club and all their shells (i.e. very impressive and interesting to me). On the main level hanging from the ceiling on display was a shell made by the same builder, George Yeoman Pocock, and similar to that of the U.S. rowing Olympic team from WA used to win the 1936 gold medal in Germany which made Hitler not happy. It too was impressive to me. Our hosts told us the story of the guys from Washington who were the 9 crew members and told us about the book, The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. I was interested and have listened to it traveling to CO.  It’s an impressive book about the underdog winning and also it is history. You probably have read it but if not, give it a try. It’s a popular book. I found it interesting that our two local libraries didn’t have it, but Cedar Falls Library had 5 traditional books, eBooks and audio books!  I used Libby; isn’t Libby just amazing!

Another thing that ruffled my feathers is that I got humbled, AGAIN! I always don’t like that when I get humbled but it ain’t nuttin new, it happens a lot to me. Those humblings make me a better person if I like it or not!  Ouchy ouchy! They sure make me humble. They sure remind me that I’m just a human being and not in charge of the world and I don’t really know much here living “under the sun.”

Wil Rogers said-- It isn't what we don't know that gives us trouble, it's what we know that ain't so.

This question might ruffle our feathers—Are we tempted to “think of [ourselves] more highly than [we] ought to think?” ItchieBitchie says—Not me but my sister-in-law does for sure! ANYWAY, I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly. RickyRick says-- I’ve been a Christian for nearly 60 years, and there are still a lot of things I have questions about. I don’t think anyone has it all figured out and if they think they do, they don’t for sure (i.e. that is also my opinion).

Will Rogers said--Do the best you can, and don't take life too serious.

Niles also said--Intellectual humility has received a fair bit of research attention lately. Among other things, this research has pointed to the many benefits of being intellectually humble.”  What do you think they may be?

Am I willing to change my opinions and to hear opposing viewpoints? Am I willing to allow some space for doubts and remain open to shades of grey? Am I willing to strive for curiosity and humility rather than certainty and arrogance? I have some questions that I need to answer. Yes, I do. That ruffles my feathers, yes it does!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—It’s more pleasant to give than receive…especially medicine and advice.

why not

A nephew-in-law says--I told my doctor that I broke my arm in two places. He told me to stop going to those places.

When in WA, we went on a Sunday afternoon drive in the Yikama Valley and Jeanne showed me the sites.  We stopped at a high school classmate of hers and her husbands’ winery/vineyard and Goddess Shirley was there. We had such a good time. About 50% of all of Washington’s wine is produced in the valley with about 90 wineries/vineyards (i.e. also 77% of the hops in the U.S. are raised in the valley). The wineries/vineyards have become a tremendous tourist attraction.  If you are in this area you might enjoy. Look up Shirley at Bonair Winery and tell her I sent you!  She might give you a more generous pour! You never know!  The sign Goddess Shirley is holding is her motto! I like it. She told us that her and her husband were in education and decided to start the winery/vineyard in1985. They had no knowledge or skill in wine making but, why not! They are now 78 and the vinery is for sale. Here is your chance!  Shirley said--I was way positive and my husband was way negative and after 55 years of marriage we sorta kinda have met in the middle with the feeling of if something good happens we are happy and if something not so good happens we just say that’s the way it is and go forward. Why not!

While eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it, I read that the American Bible Society released a report earlier this year showing two things: Bible reading in America has dramatically decreased; people who do read their Bibles experience significant hope in their lives. I sorta kinda think there is a difference in folks who are believers than those who are not. What do you think? JoeBlow asks, how soooo erv? I think many seem to have somewhat of a different attitude toward life. Many seem to be more pleasant to be around maybe; maybe not soooo unsettled, maybe! That’s just my opinion. You might have a different opinion. Or it might just be that some folks just eat more brussels sprouts than others! I just really don’t know.  George Bernard Shaw said—"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world: the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” Why not!

Jimmy Buffett said--“I’m inspired by people who keep on rolling, no matter their age.”

If I know one thing, it’s that I know nuttin! That statement is a paradox. Saturday question—Do you ever say one thing and do just the opposite? Da! ItchieBitchie says—C’mon erv, I know you do! Richard and Henry Blackaby via ThePreracherMan says--“The measure of greatness in the kingdom of God differs vastly from that of the world. Our society idolizes the rich, the powerful, the beautiful, and the athletic. We even make celebrities out of those who brazenly flaunt their immorality. The world claims it is demeaning to serve others. However, God’s kingdom completely rejects the world’s measure for esteem, giving the greatest honor to the one who serves most. The person who serves selflessly, lovingly, without complaint, and without seeking recognition is highly regarded in the kingdom of God.” Soooo folks, I guess we all get to decide for ourselves. Crazy huh!

When flying back from WA into Des Moines, I stayed the night with family and had breakfast with Rookie who is a 5^th grader and the last year in the school he is in.  I said to him—soooo Rookie, you are the big dog in your school this year—ya, I am—next year you will be the little dog again when you are in middle school—ya, but then when I go to high school I will be the little dog again—ya but when you are a senior you will be the big dog again; then when you go to college it will happen again and then when you get a job it will be the same—ya but when I become a manager, I will be the big dog again—then you will get old like me and you will be just an old dog!  But I can be an old dog with a good attitude; Jeanne and I think we need to live at least 51 more years to do what we all want to do (i.e. why not)!  “Attitude is the little thing that makes a big difference.”—Winston Churchill

On my way to CO I spent the night in Waukee and had breakfast very early with Charlie The Smasher. She has volleyball practice at 5:45 AM. There are 60+ 7th grade girls who play soooo they divide them into 12 ability grouped teams. To find time for all to practice, some teams need to practice in the mornings. She told me that it's early but it's ok. She likes it. That is a lot of girls who like volleyball! But there are about 1,000 kids in her 7th grade. Charlie The Smasher seems to me has a good mix of confidence and humility.

CoachB says—"Learning does not happen until change happens (i.e. like changing your eating and exercise habits). Knowledge is not change; ya gotta change for it to be learning.” ItchieBitchie says—There is a huge massive difference between talking and doing or wanting and doing! Suck it up cup cake and let’s get going! Face reality and let’s roll! Let’s throw those chips away and get our butts off the couch! Why not! Albert Einstein once said—“The difference between geniuses and stupids is that geniuses have limits.” RaRaBill says-- When it needs to be done you need to do what needs to be done! Ben says--Years ago, I watched a television program that featured a man beginning the process of overcoming an addiction. His best friend, a reformed addict, said, “Get used to the fact that nothing is going to make you feel good for a while.” Losing something that once made you feel good can make all comfort feel out of reach. BigMouthRalph says—What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.

Jimmy Buffett said--“Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been.”

When visiting Bainbridge Island, we were given a tour of The Barn which is a cooperative of folks who are very talented in a variety of hobbies and interests. They teach others. It is very impressive. We were told of a lady who was taught to make jewelry and ended up doing a multi-dollar business.  We were told that her jewelry wasn’t that attractive, but she was a great marketer! A marketing method that is used in our culture today is upselling (i.e. selling a more expensive product than what is needed or a product that isn’t needed at all). Not all businesses use this method, but some do. I was told by a friend who is in marketing management that maybe 10% of businesses use this market method (i.e. basically take advantage of the vulnerable). Sooooo suckers, stay away from the 10%!

RickyRick says—"When you were a kid, you had a great imagination. But the older you get, the more your imagination grows rusty. You stop imagining the way things could be, and you just start living the way they are. You get stuck in the status quo. Doubt and fear neutralize what God wants to do in your life. It takes courage to imagine. Do you know why most people don’t imagine? Because they’re afraid of failure. Courage is doing the thing you fear the most. If you’re not afraid, you don’t need courage. Courage is when you’re scared to death and you say, ‘I’m going to do it anyway.’” Saturday questions—What’s a grand life? Do we have a grand life? How do we get a grand life?

Jimmy Buffett said--“It takes no more time to see the good side of life than it takes to see the bad.”

I’m in CO for a few days, home of Erin and Jimmer. Of course, we went to see Erin perform in the color guard at the football game and Jimmer play baseball.  Why not!  It’s what grandpas do! Ya can’t just wish for things to happen, ya gotta work at them! Jeanne met me here to meet our CO family. There is some more “checking each other out” going on! Check check check! What a hoot! We might even go and see Rocky Mountain National Park. Why not!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—It’s easier to follow example than advice.