Invigorating

Disclaimer—This “It’s Saturday” could be a heaping load of crap or an opportunity missed by the smallest of margins! For sure it’s just “coolertalk” at the most!

Flowers are invigorating and so are some people. Daisies are one of Arlene’s favorite flowers. They are about as pretty as she is. Washington Irving once said—Great people think others have wishes. I had breakfast with a “highpotential” invigorating young man recently. He sent me an uplifting note along with his motto—Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us. Now that’s invigorating to me folks. How about you? He also invited me to have ice cream with him at the Frosty Udder! That sounds like an udderly ridiculous name! Such is life.

Education is invigorating for some and a pain in the…for others. That is what I observed in my 7 days of substituting teaching. Some students like education and some hate it. About 96% of the students’ education is decreased by the other 4% it appears to me. Those 4% really drag the other students, teachers and the general attitude. Maybe some other countries have the better idea as separating them (i.e. I don’t know). Education in America dictated by the state’s requirements is very expensive. I also think that nearly all educators want the best for the students (i.e. they really try) but it is wearisome to deal with all the behavioral, psychological, and genetic problems of many students. After about sooooooo long, they tend to get tired and lose their creativeness, energy, and excitement. They become generic and tired (i.e. that’s my opinion). My kidsister, a first grade teacher, says teachers spend tooooooo much time managing the class instead of teaching (i.e. there are a lot of moving parts folks and a lot of wasted time). The high school principal told me that he spends 80% of his time with 20% of the students. Ouchy Ouchy! But flip the pancake, the 96% are really pretty good kids (i.e. my opinion). They can be sooooooo invigorating sometimes but even the good kids can be challenging.

Yabut don’t give up on some of those kids. Some of those kids that struggle in school end up okay. In fact do real well. I know of many that have way exceeded their teachers’, guidance counselors’ and public’s expectation. They have done real well considering some of their pasts. I think that is invigorating to see. My hat goes off to those folks. I know of one guy who I know well who has done just extremely well. Why some do soooooo well and the next person doesn’t, I don’t have a clue. But, somehow, some way attitude comes into play (i.e. an inward feeling expressed by behavior). Why some folks have a good attitude and others don’t, I don’t have a clue folks but it’s invigorating to see. Such is life.

GeorgeTheCrook says—Are your problems really problems or are your problems really opportunities? Opportunities are really invigorating folks! Opportunities opportunities! "Close scrutiny will show that most 'crisis situations' are opportunities to either advance or stay where you are."--Maxwell Maltz. My Daddy Chester always told me—The easiest way to learn is to ask questions (i.e. learning is invigorating). SusieQ says—If you don’t like the answer you get, don’t ask the question! MissPerfect says—You look at where you’re going and where you are and it never makes sense, but then you look back at where you’re been and a pattern seems to emerge. Such is life.

Went on an invigorating bike ride on the Cedar Valley Trails this week (i.e. like it much better than on the roads—less wind and much prettier). I rode 22 miles and then on my way home stopped at Beaver Hills Country Club. I haven’t been there for a few years and haven’t played it in maybe 10. It was really invigorating (i.e. soooooo pretty and lush). The trees and the course have really matured (i.e. looked like a paradise). ANYWAY I asked them how much it would cost me to join--$2,500 initiation fee, $283 per month, $400 annual food charge, $103 handicap/range fee, and $700 for an annual cart rental. That’s about $4,800 annually plus the one time $2,500 imitation fee. I pay $285 plus a $35 cart fee at Aplington. I have my cart in our garage and just drive it down the street. But hey, I could join Beaver Hills County Club if we don’t give any money to the church or any of our other pet projects. Then I would have to play every Sunday morning to get my money’s worth, so no church. What do you think my choice will be folks? As for me and my household, we will…. IthcieBithcie says—Ya but erv, if you’re loaded it doesn’t make any difference. You are right IthcieBitchie. Joesixpack says—The easiest way to get loaded is to inherit it or marry it. Ya but Joesixpack remember, one generation makes it, the next generation maintains it and the third generation spends it. CadillacJack says--Country clubs aren’t for the “howmuch?THAT MUCH?” crowd! It’s for the folks who don’t need the receipt! Maybe so CadillacJack and maybe not. Maybe they are like some cowboys in Texas—They wear big cowboy hats but have no cattle! AverageJoe says—Maybe they spend money they don’t have on a country club they don’t need to impress folks they don’t like! Such is life.

Hey this was invigorating to me. I have had my electric lawn trimmer of years. It always frustrated me that when I tapped it the line didn’t come out like I wanted it to. This last week I discovered that if I would tap it when running it full speed it works a lot better. Da! I’m a happy camper. Such is life.

There are Robins who have built their nest on a limb of the Spruce tree maybe 20 feet from our sun porch. I have been watching the female sit on the nest. It’s invigorating to see her stamina and steadfastness. We have had some real windy days. She has been bounced around pretty hard but just hangs in there. So what makes her do that? What makes her an ol’ cluck hen? I asked SmartFarmerLyle at a graduation party about that. He said it does take a rooster to mate with a hen so she will produce fertile eggs but it doesn’t take a rooster to make an old hen an ol’ cluck hen. When I was maybe 10 to 12 years old, I bought duck and geese eggs and bought some ol’ cluck hens from our neighbors to hatch them (i.e. they just sat on those eggs until they hatched). I feed those ducks and geese (i.e. with the help of my little sister) all summer and peddled them to folks in Roseland in the fall. The ones I didn’t sale that way, I sold to Edgar at the Roseland Hatchery. I made some money. My kid sister said I paid her well for helping me (i.e. I don’t remember that part).

I think my friend might have said this—A person filed with gumption doesn’t sit around dissipating and stewing about things. The reason why I think my friend might have said this is that he has a lot of gumption and does it 100 mph every minute of every day. I had a most invigorating, unique opportunity this week. I was invited by an acquaintance to attend a Gung Ho meeting at Mudd Advertising Company. They have a Gung Ho meeting every other Friday at 8 a.m. They recognize folks for good work, tell about new births etc, and tell everyone what’s going on in the company. Then there was a speaker who spoke about the disease called the fear of failure. You will always be average if you have that disease. A very good point. I think all the employees were there on the bleachers (i.e. quite impressive to me). So what is a Gung Ho meeting you ask. Check it out on this link and watch the 30-minute video called Gung Ho. I think it’s good. MySmartFriendJean says—Life is simpler when you plow around the stump!
http://www.kenblanchardvideos.com/?gclid=CK74w8q48KECFRTXnAodvxcXIw

I had the opportunity to golf with one of my young buddies in the afternoon. We were on hole 5 I think. He was about ready to hit his second shot. He was in his pre-shot routine and doing his little waggle when he said—Did you hear that lady (i.e. there was a foursome of ladies on a green next to our fairway) say—Nice butt? But what she really said was nice putt to another lady in her foursome! Hey this is the same guy who just came from the eye doctor. His sight was real bad. The doc told him that he was using some old contacts from years ago. Just use your current ones and you’ll be okay. This is what I have to put up with! What a hoot. Such is life.

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—Patience is a virtue. Virtue is a grace. Put them all together and they make a happy face.
TheProfessor’sPithySaying—What use to be vices are now common manners.

Rhubarb

Dalai Lama spoke in Cedar Falls this week—He said…I have nothing to offer, so don’t expect much. So that is my disclaimer too—I have nutten to offer, so don’t expect much. Such is life.

Life can be a rhubarb folks! Erick Hoffer writes: Our frustration is greater when we have much and want more than when we have nothing and want some. We are less dissatisfied when we lack many things then when we seem to lack but one thing. ~ To have a mass movement the organizers must preach hope. ~ A man is likely to mind his own business when it is worth minding. When it is not, he takes his mind off his own meaningless affairs by minding other people's business. This minding of other people's business expresses itself in gossip, snooping and meddling, and also in feverish interest in communal, national and racial affairs. In running away from ourselves we either fall on our neighbor's shoulder or fly at his throat.

There is wild, crazy rhubarb and there is cultivated, civilized rhubarb. All rhubarbs are not bad and all rhubarbs aren’t good. There are differences in rhubarb! Oh yes!

This does sound like there might be rhubarb going on. What do you think? I asked a guy to explain something to me that I questioned if it was right. He said—I could be wrong; my wife finds something wrong with me everyday. I asked—something new everyday? He said—No, not necessarily! Ouchy ouchy!

If a guy leaves rhubarb in his mouth too long it starts to make his eyes water and my face to pucker (i.e. at least that is how it affects me). That taste sorta kinda sticks in a guy’s mouth. Stuckness—to switch to unstuckness, a guy needs to be creative, original, inventive, intuitive, and imaginative. That is why gals put a ton of sugar with rhubarb and make rhubarb crisp or rhubarb pie. It takes a lot of sugar. Saturday question—When we were kids on the farm a mile and a quarter south of Roseland, MN, we would take a raw stalk of rhubarb out of the patch, strip back the outside and either use salt or sugar on it. So do you like sugar or salt on your fresh rhubarb?

I had a most enjoyable time with a young man last weekend. He is very uplifting to me (i.e. a positive guy). We talked about some real good stuff. ANYWAY we ended our time together talking about a rhubarb of sorts. He told me about a person he knows who has cancer and still puts a positive spin on his life. This guy is a flyer; he flies ultra lights He said—After you have flown 500 hours it becomes more dangerous. The reason is a person becomes too comfortable and cocky (i.e. not a good situation). So folks, do you think our lives at times become too comfortable and we get cocky a.k.a rhubarb in our life? What do you think? Such is life.

This positive young man gave me this to ponder—Heard a story about two farmers. When the rain fell, one farmer said, “Thank You, Lord, for watering our crops.” But the other farmer said, “Yeah, but if the rain keeps up, it’s going to rot the roots.” When the sun came out, the positive farmer said, “Thank You, Lord, that our crops are getting the vitamins and minerals they need. We’ll have a wonderful harvest this year.” But the negative farmer said, “Yeah, but if it keeps up, it’s going to scorch those plants. We’re never going to make a living.” Don’t you know people who are always focused on the negative? Be sure to guard against their negative attitudes infecting your thinking! Stay focused on the positive things in life. The battle between being positive or negative can be sorta kinda a massive huge rhubarb in our lives at times. Joesixpack says—It’s our decision and decisions have consequences! Such is life.

Arlene and I were staining the house Saturday when LoadMiller stopped by and we visited. LoadMiller is thinking about partially retiring from his executive job with a rather large cooperation. He has just took a rather important/influential position with a mainline church denomination that they are members. He will affect the future of folks’ lives and maybe the future of the denomination (i.e. major player). ANYWAY I told LoadMiller that he will do a great job. He said—Others have told me the same. So why do they think you will do a good job—‘cause I can see bs real quick. MY OPINION is that mainline denominations have as their upper management folks (i.e. generally pastors) who don’t what to hurt anyone’s feelings, want to save their positions along with their pensions and really aren’t interested in meeting the needs of the people (i.e. sounds like the government folks). Tough decisions are to be made by these folks (i.e. if folks aren’t working out and things are going north, it’s time for a change). MORE OF MY OPINION I think the Pope should let the priests get married. They have natural human desires so let them satisfy them instead of molesting children (i.e. and it’s a lot cheaper too). LoadMiller is the man! No question. He might create a rhubarb though! Such is life.

Probably what causes the biggest rhubarbs in life is about money (i.e. it’s always about money folks). Some of the worst rhubarbs about money are between siblings after mom and dad die (i.e. who gets the money). My opinion, many times the parents cause those rhubarbs in advance by favoring one child during their life time or favoring them with the larger inheritance. Sometimes it ruins families. And the rhubarb is over money. SusieQ says-- It’s just money—ya but if you don’t get your share of money it’s way different folks (i.e. a massive huge rhubarb)! I bet some of you can testify about all of that stuff. Hey, the only thing that the fair is the Butler County Fair and its in early June! ItchieBitchie says—It’s way different when you get the farms and the gals get the dishes and trinkets!

I was walking to library the other day and Noreen stepped out of her house with a large bowl and a pairing knife as I was passing. We talked. Her husband just passed away. Are you doing okay—some days and moments are better than others—I’m sure it’s very hard to have someone who you love soooooo much pass away—It’s very hard—But God gives us hope, a hope that surpasses our understanding—Yes he does. Noreen, are you going to cut some rhubarb—yes I am! Was this happenstance? Na, I don’t think so folks.

GeorgeTheCrook says—I have plans for my life. I’m looking forward to certain moments. LuckieEddie says--Life is finite and we don’t know what time is left, so what should we be doing with it? Here lies the rhubarb—How am I going to spend the rest of my days on this earth. That’s an eternal rhubarb for me. I haven’t done everything that I want to do yet. So is that “everythingIwanttodo” is it for my good feeling or is for the good feeling of someone else? What should my balance be? What is the percentage of each? What’s my purpose here on this earth? And erv, don’t take your days for granted but maximize each one. But how do I want to maximize them. How should I maximize them? ItchieBitchie says—The happiest folks are not the ones who rebel against god (i.e. have rhubarb in their mouth); the happiest folks are those who love God and obey his commandments. We have a family from our church that are missionaries in Guatemala. Recently a group of folks went there on a mission trip and did their presentation at church Sunday. The life expectance in Guatemala is 39 (i.e. ya gotta live fast there). Here’s rhubarb—There, if you get sick you probably are going to die. In the U.S. you can be 90 and we will spend $300,000 so a guy can live another year. Huh, interesting.

MissPerfect says—Extremes can cause rhubarbs. I read in the paper so it must be right, that a guy in Illinois shot a guy walking by ‘cause his little dog peed on his lawn. That’s a bit extreme I think. A custodian in our school district told me that two custodians each put in 20 (i.e. total 40 hours) to paint the high school football field for each home game. The paint is donated by businesses at a cost of $400 a crack. That sounds a bit extreme to me but what do I know (i.e. I’m not being critical here as there is obviously others who disagree with me). I talked to a friend whose son is playing on an AAU basketball team. They were at a tournament this weekend where there were, I think, 196 teams from all over the country. He said one team had a customized paint job on their bus. I think he said they were for TX. He talked to a father of one of the players and he said it would cost them $15,000 for his son to play AAU basketball. That sounds a bit extreme. Does that cause a rhubarb with any of you? We live in America where you have freedom to do whatever you want with your money. Such is life.

The funnest thing I read this week is what a friend wrote on facebook--Finished washing dishes tonight. Felt around in the water to make sure I got everything. Pulled out a dirty sock! Anyone want to come to our house for dinner?!

I had breakfast with several friends this week. One friend told me that some folks at the grain elevator and at the coffee shop don’t like me ‘cause I share my faith. Why do you think that is? He also told me that there was a time he didn’t like me either but now he does. Guess what, this guy, it appears is making a huge massive turn in his life. I wonder if that has anything to do with it. Life can be a rhubarb now can’t it. I read this while eating my oatmeal with blackberries on it—Without God, no real vistory is ever won. All the military victories of great conquerors have passed into history. The real victories are won in the spiritual realm—he that conquers himslf is greater than he who conquers a city…Face all your difficulties in the spirit of conquest. Remember that where God is, there is the true victory. Do you believe that or are you the coffee shop crowd or the grain evelvator crowd? “It's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars." --Garrison Keillor

Another friend I had breakfast with was our little neighbor girl who is now maybe in her late 20s. I use to pull her teeth out it seems just a couple of years ago. Her current motto is—Give without the thought of giving. Big people don’t keep tract of their giving. Little folks sorta kinda like to keep score (i.e. some folks and religions do that so they think they can get a bigger reward). Big people forget what they did or who they helped yesterday but just look forward to helping some one else today. This thinking can cause sorta kinda a rhubarb in some folks’ head. All of this is my opinion. She is a sweetheart with a massive huge heart (i.e. a real person)—my kind of person. She travels the world (i.e. mainly Asia) by herself. She’s incredibly adventurous and such a nice person. We had the most enjoyable time talking about really good stuff (i.e. not gossip and such).

I golfed with the chief of police in league the other night. He told me that their department spends about 80% of their time with drug (i.e. mainly meth) and alcohol problems and residual problems from drugs and alcohol. Drugs and alcohol create a lot or rhubarbs he said. Domestic violence is very dangerous for the police as it can irrupt into bad stuff. And usually the officer becomes to relaxed after soooooooo many times. Ouchy ouchy!

The perennials in the garden fight for territory. The ones who win are the ones who are the toughest (i.e. that is if we don’t manage them). Some are way more aggressive that others. Probably the less aggressive ones don’t much care for the more aggressive ones. It can cause rhubarb I bet. Just like life maybe. Hey, this plant in the picture is not rhubarb. Right now, it is really a pretty perennial in our garden. Does anyone know what the name of this flower is?

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—A mistake means at least that somebody tried to do something.
TheProfessor’sPithySaying—Doce ud discas—teach that you may learn.

Revert

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one. ~Albert Einstein~ We talk and we talk and we talk but the reality is we just revert back to our old ways. http://www.wimp.com/budgetcuts/

It all reverts back to money, huh interesting. I read this in the paper so it must be right—Americans 45 and older are far more open to sex outside of marriage than they were 10 years ago (i.e. Da!), but they’re engaging in sex less often and with less satisfaction, according to a major new survey by AARP. What’s the problem? AARP sex and relationship expert, sociologist Pepper Schwartz, thinks financial stress is a prime culprit. Joesixpack says—Remember boys, a happy wife is a happy life. LuckieEddie says—Yabut, I just don’t get it. I’m told there is more to life than work but if I don’t work a lot I don’t make money and if I don’t make money my wife isn’t happy and if my wife isn’t happy then there is stress and when there is financial stress then…! So what is a guy suppose to do anyway! CadillacJack response is—Have your wife make a lot of money! Such is life.

GeorgeTheCrook says—When you have stress in your life, you seem to have more injuries, accidents and in general, more bad things happen to you. Maybe so GeorgeTheCrook. GeorgeTheCrook responds—No maybe about it! We seem to revert back to bad stuff and then bad stuff happens. AverageJoe says—Through the course of time, form is temporary but class is permanent. WildWilly says—To stress less, lower your expectations. So something happens, get over the disappointment, make the best of it, and make it an opportunity, not a problem. And one more thing—Be realistic. Don’t expect folks to change. Instead, change your reaction to the situation. JoseyTheBoxer says—Are you the problem or the solution to the problem? MissPerfect says--To attain material things, the world learns to attain speed. To attain spiritual things, I have to learn to attain a state of calm.

Maybe times when we get stressed we revert back to the way our mother did it (i.e. that can be good and that can be bad—all depends how your mother did it). I talked to a grandmother who is about 53 in church Sunday. She was back in Aplington I think to see her mother for mother’s day. I have known her for years and we were talking about parenting I think and she said—I tell my kids they are crazy how you spend their money—then I shut-up. Hey grandma, maybe they just had a hiccup (i.e. I think she might have had a hiccup or two in her life). Be patient, maybe they will revert back to your example.

Usually we revert back to how we were even when we want to change (i.e. maybe not fully but partially and maybe not all the time but part of the time). But then there are exceptions. A wise man told us about his father whom he remembered as a stern, non-compromising, stiff-necked, hard, demanding father. Then he had a heart attack at the age of 58 and did a 180 turnabout (i.e. 100% change). Recently a friend told me that he knows some folks very well who have a public persona and a home persona (i.e. they have just fooled folks for years—phony phony). They revert back to their old persona as soon as they get home. I try to treat everyone the same in every occasion and act the same at all times. ASmartWiseFriend says—That’s impossible, you have to treat folks different and you do if you realize it or not. Something that has really helped me though, is confidence with who I am—I just plain don’t get intimidated by anyone (i.e. I’m happy with whom I am—can do better at times but …such is life).

I just learned something really neat from a friend. I think he learned it from someone else and I bet that person learned it from another person. ANYWAY our mind is interesting (i.e. very interesting). SusieQ says—What we put in comes out—what you think is what you’ll be. Okay here is an exercise for you to do to change your stinkin’thinkin’—Write out 10 most appreciative things you have in your life (i.e. put a little time in this—they might change as your life changes). Twice every day copy them using your other hand opposite your primary writing hand (e.g. if you are right handed, use you left hand). I thought the reason to do that is it would take longer and make you concentrate more. No no, it’s to make your opposite side of your brain work (i.e. left side of your brain operates the right hand etc.). ItchieBitchie says—Us left handers have the right brain and you right handers…). Try this for two weeks and it will change your stinkin’thinkin’. And here is the best part of this deal—it doesn’t cost ya anything for this possible life-changing event. Soooooooo maybe it’s not all about money after all or maybe I’m missing something here folks! Such is life.

I read what a professor said--The world's 225 richest people now have a combined wealth of $1 trillion. That's equal to the combined annual income of the world's 2.5 billion poorest people (i.e. that statement has no agenda, it’s just interesting. Do you seem to revert back to trying to impress folks all the time (i.e. it’s graduation time again!!!!!)? It appears to me that one of the massive huge motivation factors in our world that causes much stress is trying to impress others continuously (i.e. I think women are the worse—my opinion). It drives me crazy. Dissatisfaction is a capitalistic driving force in our current culture (i.e. probably always has been). It appears we try not to be that way but we revert back continuously. Such is life.

I subbed for a 7th grade computer class this week. The kids are amazing with what they can do and how they like it. They say it's their favorite class. I also subbed for two engineering classes where these high school students use computers to draft stuff. Again just amazing what they can do (i.e. for college credits if they can pass the test). They really like this class. No problem with interest or attention in either class. So you think they are going to revert back to not using the computers? DA! So are these young folks going to revert back to a boring church service? DA! Sooooooooooooooooo what does that say to me related to church services, youth groups, and adult small groups--GET IN THEIR WORLD--my opinion. But what's the world of most traditional folks (i.e. and that has nothing to do with chronicle age folks)?????

So do you think we will revert back to what’s really important at some point? Max Lucado says this--When you are in the final days of your life, what will you want? Will you hug that college degree in the walnut frame? Will you ask to be carried to the garage so you can sit in your car? Will you find comfort in rereading your financial statement? Of course not. What will matter then will be people. If relationships will matter most then, shouldn't they matter most now? ~ This week I read the following—What I don’t want said at my funeral: She had the best intentions of anyone I know. She was always thinking of others; too bad she didn’t have time to actually do anything. Remember when she watched 25 hours of TV that one week? Wasn’t that special? I’ll always remember how she was too tired to do anything with us. She had such a pretty face. Too bad she didn’t take care of herself. She had a great sense of humor when she wasn’t exhausted. She must have been very appreciative of little things people did for her; we found boxes and boxes of unused Thank You notes in her desk. She loved the Lord a lot; maybe she’ll finally get to spend some time with Him.

HighIQWalley asks--When folks have severe problems, they sometimes revert back to the fetal position. Why is that do you think? Or why do folks when they get stressed revert back to “hitting their head against the wall like in their past’’ (i.e. like drinking, drugs, or any bad habit)? What do you think?

Instead of reverting back to our old habits, maybe we need to try something new (e.g. instead of watching 25 hours of TV, try to enhance our lives by watching TEDs). A friend sent me this site to watch a clip (i.e. about 15 minutes). I sent to some friends and one of them sent this back to me--If you liked that TED talk that you forwarded...you should check out the website. I've probably watched a dozen or so different TED talks and they are almost always very thought provoking. You can search the talks in a number of ways. Give it a look. http://www.ted.com/ SuckUpNellie says—People spend their entire lives at those lower attitudes without any awareness that this high country exists. She went on to say—Mental reflection is so much more interesting than TV. It’s a shame more people don’t switch over to it. They probably think what they hear is unimportant but it never is.

When I get confused (i.e. which I do quite often), I revert back to the Book for guidance. This is what it says--Be the right club baby, be the right club today. That’s the NEM version*

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—One of the finest accomplishments is making a long story short!

TheProfessor’sPithySaying—There is no learning without diligent effort—Aristotle.

*The NEM version (i.e.The New Erv Mellema version) which means in golf language—It ‘s when a golfer hits a good shot right at the flag (i.e. target) and he wants it to be the right distance (i.e. be the right club) so it stays right by the target. It’s like my life—I want to be the right club, be the right club today (i.e. answer the bell). I think that is what it says (i.e. my opinion).

Charlie

It seems like many times in life we don’t face realty until something drastic slaps us in our face. Then we feel like a “toughluckCharlie”! Arlene and I recently had the opportunity to meet a neat guy. He told us part of his story (i.e. it was a wow). He was/is a highly successful person (i.e. using the world’s measuring standard) but until realty slapped him in the face about his drinking problem, he then became a successful person (using a different measuring standard). In every occupation, every social grouping, in every family, in every educational echelon, there are “toughluckCharlies”! Some “toughluckCharlies” are just that (e.g. like a kid born into a certain family) but many times we make ourselves into a “toughluckCharlie” (i.e. my opinion—anyway I do). This slap in the face can come about by the law, a friend, a financial problem, a relational problem or a self evaluation. So folks, can you really evaluate yourself? Self evaluation is most difficult. I think we are very fortunate if a “drastic slap in the face” occurs to us at a certain time to save our life or to enhance our life. What do you think? Maybe it could change us from a “toughluckCharlie” to a “blessedCharlie”. Many of us have caught breaks in life. I have caught many. The best of my “breakinlifes” was meeting and marrying Arlene a.k.a. a big person. Those of you who know Arlene know what I’m talking about (i.e. I like folks who have good, kind hearts and she has a very good, kind heart—my kind of gal). Such is life.

My mentor tells me--Life is not always fair. The only thing that’s fair is the Butler County Fair and that’s in late June I think. You ever feel sorry for yourself? Do you every treat yourself like a “toughluckCharlie”? Do you every feel like you got the rotten end of the stick (i.e. a raw deal in life)? Do we ever have to change our attitude? When Heather and Chet were small and were acting in a strange way, I would tell them that we were going to have a “attitudeadjustmenttime”. Many adults need to have someone take them aside and help them adjust their attitude. Saturday question—Do you and I need an attitude adjustment today? Do we feel like “toughluckCharlie” but in realty it was just our pissy attitude (i.e. we created our own poor attitude). So I always told our kids, if you complain, you have to have a possible solution otherwise don’t complain. So there is the possible solution—Throw those chips away, get your butt off the couch and do something (i.e. do something for someone else). Quit feeling sorry for yourself and help someone else. Such is life.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with blackberries on it—Even if you think of yourself as a “PlainOl’Charlie”, every Charlie has special talents and unique opportunities and you, Charlie, are no exception. Your task, of course, is to discover your talents and to use them in the service of God’s kingdom.

If you are the “toughluckClarliethegopher’ you are in trouble—a friend sent me this--Another quick/easy way to catch a striped gopher. Fill a milk jug full of water and tip it upside down on top of his hole so all the water runs in the hole. Hold the jug steady as the water runs out. Within thirty seconds of the water running out, the gopher will squeeze into the jug.

ToughluckCharlie—A friend sent me this--Over five thousand years ago, Moses said to the children of Israel "Pick up your shovels, mount your asses and camels, and I will lead you to the Promised Land." Nearly 75 years ago, (when Welfare was introduced) Roosevelt said, " Lay down your shovels, sit on your asses, and light up a Camel, this is the Promised Land." Now the government has stolen your shovel, taxed your asses, raised the price of camels and mortgaged the Promised Land! I was so depressed last night thinking about Health Care Plans, the economy, the wars, lost jobs, savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc . . . I called Lifeline. I got a call center in Pakistan. I told them I was suicidal. They all got excited and asked if I could drive a truck!

ToughLuckCharlie, here is a way to change your luck (i.e. it works every time). A friend sent it to me--Seek wise counsel When Solomon was given a choice between wealth and wisdom, he chose wisdom. Why? Because wealth is temporary and uncertain, while godly wisdom is eternal and provides a solid road map for life. That is why the Bible counsels us in Proverbs 15:22 to surround our- selves with diverse perspectives as we make important decisions. Proverbs 19:20 builds on the principle that we will be successful and wise "in the end" when we seek the advice of other believers. Practice generosity One of the most challenging questions Christians face as they plan their financial futures is "how much is enough?" While the answer to that question will legitimately differ among believers, it is an important question to resolve. In doing so, we can fulfill the vision of 2 Corinthians 8:13-15, using our "plenty" to supply the needs of others. As author Randy Alcorn has pointed out, God prospers us not to raise our standard of living, but rather our standard of giving.”

CharlieCharlieCharlie! I was around a gal recently (i.e. none of you but if the shoe fits…) who I have known for years but really haven’t been around too much. We shared a responsibility for maybe 10 minutes the other day. She looks very nice from the outside but I wonder if she looks as nice in the inside. She was very critical of everyone and everything a.k.a a small person (i.e. ouchy ouchy)! My impression is that she isn’t a very nice lady (i.e. maybe very self-centered, a ShowboatCharlie a.k.a THEBIGSHOWCHARLIE who will hurt others to puff herself up. That’s not my kind of person to be around. I wonder if others have the same opinion as me? Maybe I’m all wrong? Maybe she just had a miserable emotional experience. Could be. I’m wrong a lot. I think I will still keep my distance. Well flip the pancake. That same day we were dinner guests at some long time friends along with another long time friend (i.e. real folks with massive huge hearts—my kind of folks). As we were sitting drinking coffee after a delicious dinner, we shared some stuff and we had a crying session (i.e. ‘cause we care about each other). I like real people with good hearts. KindHeartCharlie says—CarryingCharlies keep passing through little moments of friends’ lives. I observed a high school student who when she got done with her homework, helped her neighbor who really struggles. She was sooooooooo nice to him (i.e. gentle and kind). I talked to her later and told her that she was a good person with a kind heart (i.e. a ServantCharlie)—she just smiled. Such is life.

I had the opportunity to be around a SpecialCharlie a.k.a a special friend who is a great papa! ANYWAY he has lost 20 pounds on his 6’4” frame (i.e. from 215 to 195). Sooooooo how did you do it—counted calories; consumed 1,600 calories and exercised moderately. Pretty simple formula—less intake and more output My Daddy, Chester, always told me—Thebestdisciplineisselfdiscipline. Such is life.

I read this in HagarTheHorrible comic strip (i.e. Hagar was lecturing his son Charlie)—Son, I’ve been everywhere and I’ve seen everything! And I’ve learned that people are the same the world over!! That’s why you must guard your money at all times!

I read it in the paper so it must be right—Hawkeye football tickets will be sold out by the end of this week (i.e. ticket orders are “aboveandbeyond” supply and a decision will have to be made how to handle the overflow. What! I thought the economy was tough for the AverageCharlie. And you know what, they increased the cost of a ticket this year tooooooooo! It’s all about supply and demand folks. That is why ya gotta win! It’s all about money folks.

SusieQ says—We all have years of bad decisions runnin’ down our faces at times. ~ They are LuckyCharlies! We had the opportunity to have dinner with a friend who we haven’t seen for many many years. She wanted us to meet her husband and he wanted to met us. It was a very enjoyable evening (i.e. real folks with good hearts). They told us their stories—quite amazing—very amazing—absolutely amazing! It would be a best seller if it would be in book form. MissPerfect says—Most of the stuff we usually talk about is the silt of tomorrow! Our conversation was not the silt of tomorrow MissPerfect; it was heart wrenching stuff. They are really LuckyCharlies or is it something else. What do you think? LuckieCharlie says—The past exists only in our memories, the future only in our plans. The present is our reality. Such is life.

I played golf with a miniature John Daley (i.e. without the gastrial bypass a.k.a. stomach staple) the other day. He is a FlexibleCharlie all right. His back swing is about 240 degrees. When he stops his back swing, he sees the ball and his club head at the same time. He hits it hard and long. I kidded him about it and he said—When I get older and lose some feasibility, I’ll be at about 180 degrees! Such is life.

I had breakfast with my mentor a.k.a. OneSmartCharlie (i.e. we try to do it every Wednesday morning). He told me that to be successful ya gotta get things done and the best time to do things is to do them right now (i.e. he’s the engine of boxcars). I told some of my classes this as well—don’t waste your time, do things right now! Or as my neighborKarl says—The best time to trim the trees is when the saw is sharp and the saw is sharp! I also told a gal when she came into class late—You know what we would do with you in business?—there was a long silent time when finally another student said—you would fire ‘em. Another AwareStudentCharlie then said—Unless you are part of the union! Such is life.

Guess what? I was on my walk and saw that lady who I wondered about if she was a nice lady or not. I always wonder how she could be married to her husband who is on the “jerky” side (i.e. my opinion). BINGO maybe it all makes sense Charlie!

One of our neighbors died this week. He was agoodCharlie and his wife is aneatCharlie. Mel did the leg work for our golf cart purchases about 1990. We each purchased a 1986 Yamaha from the same dealer (i.e. they were rentals). He replaced his years ago with a newer one—I still have mine!!!! ANYWAY every spring when I change the oil in it, I go to Mel and borrow his metric ratchet set to remove the oil plug (i.e. I don’t have a metric ratchet set). I could have purchased a ratchet but it was sooooooooo much fun to go and borrow Mel’s every spring (i.e. I really enjoyed it). It was the only time the ratchet set was ever used he said. He had it on a shelf in the back of his garage and it was put back the same place every year. This year, his sweet wife and I had to go and get it and I told her the story of how much I enjoyed the opportunity. She and I stood in the back part of the garage and just talked about Mel. It was such a good time.

Folks, there are many reallygoodCharlies like you guys. Here is just an example of a goodCharlie that a good friend sent me http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/blog/golf_experts/post/When-losing-a-golf-tournament-really-makes-you-a?urn=golf,238912

There are a lot of sweetCharlies but none as sweet as ourlittlesweetCharlie—Charlotte Mellema a.k.a by grandpa erv as Charlie. I planted Anna’s Zinnia flowerbed this week (i.e. Zinnias were one of Mom’s favorite flowers). I mentioned it to a couz and she asked if I talked to my Mom as I did it. I didn’t but she said she talks to her dad when she does such things—what do you say--did you not ever say to your mom when your babies were born" I wish you were here to see them and hold them...or as they grew..mom you would be so proud of them" ...or mom,' you would of just loved Arlene so much, I wish you would of had more time with us"'—no I have never said such things but have thought them many times. Chester and Anna would have really enjoyed and loved our children, their spouses and little Charlie and little Erin Woodworth. Yes they would have. Isn’t my couz a specialCharlie?  FYI--you can click on pictures to enlarge.

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.

TheProfessor’sPithySaying—Lovely is the bloom of youth but it quickly fades away whereas the education mind continues to grow and mature.

What's Next?

So what’s next for you? Joesixpack says--Do you ask it in expectation or excitement or anticipation? When a person has five good things happen to them, they think the next one will be good as well. If a person has five bad things happen to them, guess what they think the next thing will be. GeorgeTheCrook says—Does a positive attitude come with success or does success come with a positive attitude? I asked Aaron last week when we got done riding bike—Sooooooo Aaron, do you think thin people ride bike or people who ride bike get thin? He thought the later! SusieQ says--Don’t brag; it isn’t the whistle that pulls the train.

I was sitting in the sun porch one beautiful spring day, watching the children during their recess on the school ground next to our back yard (i.e. about 30-40 away). Maybe 8 3rd grade girls were chasing this stripped gopher. I went down the basement and got some string and went out there. I was showing them how to snare a gopher (i.e. something my Daddy, Chester, taught me on the farm a mile and a fourth south of Roseland, MN). Soooooooo I made a loop and put it over the hole and then backed away some 15 yards. Gophers seem to always poke their head up to see what is going on—then you pull the string. We were ready but the teacher blew the whistle and the recess was over. Have any of you ever snared a gopher? Snaring gophers is a lot different that playing video games or listening to the ipod or watching TV. What will happen next?

What’s next in your life? Saturday question—Are you sitting on the fence or standing in the light? The choice is yours…and sooooooooo are the consequences. Such is life.

What in the world is next? I have a friend a.k.a. the big warranty, who I play golf with. This guy buys a new driver (i.e. on ebay—second hand). It’s one of those new Taylor Made drivers with the screws on the back. You can adjust the screws to fit your swing. He wanted a new driver to enhance his drives. He has played with this driver for about a year now and hasn’t adjusted the screws to fit his swing. He uses it the same as the previous owner. I keep telling him that I’m bringing a screwdriver along next time and adjust it for him (i.e. ya gotta use your noodle). Actually I’m just trying to get in his head. Can you tell. I hope he doesn’t think about that the next time we play. Surely he won’t will he?!

What’s next? Here is a snapshot of my life—excitement, adventure, discouragement, amazement, wonder, disappointment, peace, uproar, I can’t believe it, why, confused, in awe, helpless, courageous, holy molly, really, it can’t be, what’s it all about, I don’t understand, I hurt for that person, I’m sooooo happy for that person, it just fell in my lap, I didn’t ask for this, tranquility, I need help God, God lift that person up, it doesn’t make any sense, I don’t understand, it feels oh sooooo good, I don’t deserve this great feeling, I need advice and direction, oh those opportunities, I’m humbled, I’m honored, I’m cocky, I’m confident, puzzled, self-centered, joyful, enthusiastic, rejected, powerful, I feel low, frustrated and what’s next?! The difference between pro golfers and amateurs is that pro golfers hardly ever have compound mistakes (i.e. back to back). That’s why they are soooooo good compared to a 10 handicapper (i.e. or many folks in life who seem to make compound mistakes over and over and over). Such is life.

I wanted to watch some of the NBA playoffs the other night. The game I wanted to watch was on ESPN. It was on regular programming but not on HD. So I called “Sam from India” (i.e. like that’s his real name) and told him about the problem and all of a sudden it was on HD. He said he pushed a button! I wonder what next SamFromIndia can do for me by pushing a button from India.

What’s next? Maybe not what you see but what someone else sees (i.e. we might be tooooooo close to it to see the real picture). When the Pastor Nominating Committee interviewed potential pastors, we wanted that person to have the ability to come in with a new and fresh set of eyes (e.g. seeing things that we don’t or are just toooooo use to seeing that we can’t see it). Well our new pastor has this ability (e.g. the old heat register in the entry way that is old and not very inviting—we found out that it even doesn’t work and the dungy classrooms with old enmities). Sometimes we get sooooooooo use the situation that we can’t see these things. I saw this when selling real estate—folks would ask me about what they could do to improve the sale of their house. I would say maybe new carpet would really help. They would say—NEW CARPET what’s wrong with the carpet; it might be 25 years old but it’s hardly worn! I was talking with a golf buddy while playing the other day about just this—what’s next! He wants to look at possible ways to improve our school district’s education by improving the attitude of education. Maybe education gets in a rut and has no idea that they are not exciting any more. I suggested bringing some folks from outside education for help (i.e. maybe those in education might be too close and don’t see the big picture). It’s maybe the same way with church denominations—they need to look outside of their denomination otherwise you get the same old stuff—sometimes we just repeat BORING! What’s next—A friend (i.e. who is a good golfer) told me that some folks ask him if they should start playing golf—he told them no, it’s tooooo hard to learn and frustrating—it looks soooooo easy on TV but it’s not that easy—they don’t see that!

What’s next! When golfing with a young adult friend the other day, we talked about another young guy who I’m associated with and is a mutual friend. He is now the assistant coach of a college golf team. I understand he really likes it. I sat in the same pew Sunday of the head coach and asked him about him. He told me that he is doing a great job and is a very good student recruiter for golf. He uses Facebook and text messaging (i.e. email and cell phone calling are old and out). It’s a new culture folks. Sooooooooo what’s next?

The Book says—I am the Lord, I do not change. The book I’m reading, Zen And The Art OF Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig (i.e. it’s not about Buddhism or motorcycle maintenance or Christianity but about philosophy of life. It says this—If it was truly a new route over the mountain it’s certainly a needed one. For more than three centuries now the old routes common in this hemisphere have been undercut and almost washed out by the natural erosion and change of the shape of the mountain wrought by scientific truth. The early climbers established paths that were on firm ground with an accessibility that appealed to all, but today the Western routes are all but closed because of dogmatic inflexibility in the face of change. To doubt the literal meaning of the words of Jesus or Moses incurs hostility from most people, but it’s just a fact that if Jesus or Moses were to appear today, unidentified, with the same message he spoke many years ago, his mental stability would be challenged. This isn’t because what Jesus or Moses said was untrue or because modern society is in error but simply because the route they chose to reveal to others has lost relevance and comprehensibility. But the fact that the old rouges have tended, because of language rigidity, to lose their everyday meaning and become almost closed doesn’t mean that the mountain is no longer there. It’s there and will be there as long as consciousness exits. So what’s next folks?

What’s next! James and Heather both had the flu at the same time. James called it the Catholic shuffle; kneel, sit, stand, kneel, sit, stand. Ouchy ouchy!

LuckieEddie says—Where no oxen are, the manger is clean! I was golfing one day and decided that I wanted to be a substitute teacher. Most of you think I’m crazy. I’m not; I enjoy youth and I enjoy teaching. I emailed Jon (i.e. my neighbor and superintendent of schools) and told him I think I have a permanent professional certificate, which I got when I got my MA a zillion years ago. He emailed me back and said he called the Iowa State Education Department and, yes I’m ready to go. I had to take a child abuse class on line and bingo, I’m substituting. I did 3.5 days this week. It has been 34 years since I’m been in the classroom. It was an opportunity that I was really looking forward to. I told the students I don’t have to do this (i.e. I don’t need the money) and I can go play golf tomorrow. I really had a good time. I treated the students as ladies and gentlemen and they treated me with respect (i.e. there’s always students who have problems). I found out that there are many really nice kids. The first day teaching math classes, I basically taught about being a team and what it was all about and then used the team concept to teach somewhat. They were quite responsive about the team concept and how it is used in their life outside of school. There is a huge massive difference between work ethics, abilities, personalities, and students as individuals. Why? For many reasons I would guess. The grouping of students is sooooooo interesting to me. I guess in the adult world it isn’t much different now is it? I also was amazed how students dress differently. That is very interesting to me as well. Some students are part of a group, some are individuals, and some aren’t quite sure what they want to do. I find this all interesting. I wonder what’s next for each of these students. Are we all created equal? My mentor says—no we are not created equal even if it does say so in our constitution! MissPerfect says—Happiness walks on busy feet! And she also says—It’s not the vehicle, nor the clothes, nor the shoes; it’s the heart that matters. There were two girls who were rather pretty but had such scour faces in one of the classes—I told them that they would be soooooo much prettier if they would smile. One did somewhat later and the other actually talked to me. Attitude, oh that attitude (i.e. it’s a decision and decisions have consequences). Such is life.

What in the world will happen next to me! I have said many times that I pray for opportunities and that I may recognize them and I may have the courage to act on them. ANYWAY Wednesday night I was on my nightly walk on the golf course (i.e. it was a cool night with the wind rather brisk). I was the only person out there. I was thinking about a young man (i.e. a high potential young man) I met in a high school class I taught on Tuesday and how I could make some contact with him. I was making my homeward way at about 8:20 when I say a young man with a stocking cap on carrying his clubs coming down the #1 fairway (i.e. we were going to meet as I was coming from an angle heading home). Guess what! It was the young man whom I was thinking about. Happenstance, na I don’t think so folks. Unbelievable! We had the nicest visit and decided we are going to play some golf together. Incredible! It just fell in my lap!

What’s next for Rick? I know and it is good folks. No question. I really like this guy and have tried to pick his mind. ANYWAY remember when I asked you to vote for Rick for the free cruise ‘cause I thought he was soooooo deserving? Well read this http://wcfcourier.com/news/local/article_47acbb0c-52c5-11df-8e8f-001cc4c03286.html Now you know why I think he’s soooooooo neat. I pray that God might lift him and his family up.

What’s next! Martin Luther said—When prayer transforms from speaking to being silent, and from being silent to listening, the voice of God will come through.

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—The virtues of being punctual are largely offset by having to wait for people who aren’t.

TheProfessor’sPithySaying—Sports weakens the mind and learning we once despised, we later find pleasing and essential--Hesiod