conviction or preference

Boo! Hiss! MissPerfect says--erv, please think before you write, but please don’t write all that you think! Hey listen MissPerfect, maybe I'm a hyperpolyglot and you don't understand the current language I'm speaking.  Have you ever thought about that.  I had a reader tell me that he doesn't always understand me (i.e. doesn't understand what I'm trying to say).  He and I might be on different pages, different chapters or even in different books entirely.  Why?  Well, we are all programed by our past experiences and relate to stuff based on that.  Also we are all educated differently and have different emotions.  We just plain see thing differently.  That's just the way it is.  GosyLucy says--erv, I don't know what in a rats ass your are talking about!  Sooooooo folks, you won't understand everything I write in the same way as I indented it to be understood.  But some of you think more like me and will understand some of it the same (i.e. it seems like there is at least one in every bunch).  Such is life.

My kid sister and her husband are on a 3 week mission to Tanzania with Wycliffe Bible (i.e. some of you are saying--why would anyone want to spend their money and time doing that anyway--they must not get it;  they could be snowbirds and play golf all the time).  They are going to teach English.  She told me that there are 7 or more languages spook in the country.  Wow! And I have trouble with just one!  PeggySue says--But, a smile is understood by everyone! (-:

MeMyselfandIDisease!  When we do something special for someone (i.e. something that takes some energy, time and special thought), it makes us feel good and maybe the recipient as well.  What do you think?  Here is the first example that came to my mind--Several years ago, a cousin and her husband had a rather serious auto accident returning home from AZ to MN.  A friend flew to NM to spend some time with them and help them with their affairs.  Here is a real live erv experience I had last Sunday--A pickleball friend and I sit together at church.  We didn't see each other last week as we played at different venues.  She told me--erv, I can only stay 10 minutes as I have a tournament to play in; I came just to see you!  Wow!  WorldClassLarry says--Ya, folks speak different languages alright.  Such is life.  

Analyze my analytics!  According to motivational speaker David Gee, NBA star Rajon Rondo takes five showers on game days, the last one just a few minutes before tip-off. The reason? He says he does his best thinking in the water (i.e. he'll have more time to be int he water and think as he just got suspended a game).  That might be a little excessive; but surveys tell us that most of us do our best thinking while we’re showering, driving, or exercising. In 1929, Coca-Cola coined one of its most famous slogans: “The Pause That Refreshes.  I took a sabbatical from pickle ball--took a break.  I think I lost my enthusiasm and also my priority (i.e. got sorta kinda got messed up).  It was a very good time out. A time to reflect.  A time to analyze my life. Like one of my pickleball buddies said--erv, it's only a game.  He is right. Very right.  I was getting tooooo serious about it.  I lost my objective.  Needed to retool--go back to my basics.  I got out of whack. I wasn't going where I want to go.  Have you ever done that or been there?  Another pickleball buddy said to me--Well, it's good that you could recognize it.  Huh, interesting.  

Attitude Adjustment! A friend told me that a coach friend told him what he said to one of his basketball players (i.e. an aphorism)--If you are going to take a play off--do it on the bench! Not an aphorism but a law folks--Newton's Third Law of Motion:  For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.  AverageJoe asks--Does that aphorism and that law pertain to sports and physics only or do they apply to life in general?  Fullofhimself DuaneTheWorm alias Tom Foolery alias Tom Foolyou alias game player alias thehugemassiveflopper alias ballhog thinks he can fake his way through life and aphorisms and laws.  He says--It seems to work for me.  Does it really DuaneTheWorm?  I impugn his motive in life.  He has the "disease of memyselfandI"! His actions and comments are made from spite.  Other than that, DuraneTheWorm isn't that bad of a guy!  Really!

I read it in the paper sooooo it must be right--A man in California had a pet parrot with a lovely British accent, but somehow the bird escaped and went missing four years (i.e. took a time out). Finally the owner and bird were reunited, but there’s an odd twist in the tale. The parrot now speaks Spanish. No one knows where the bird went during his sabbatical, but he came back with a whole new vocabulary, jabbering away with words like: gracias, amigo, and por favor.

It was time to take a time out.  I sorta kinda had a secret internal goal with pickleball.  I think I have accomplished it sooooo now I want to refocus (i.e. redirect my motive).  I like pickleball and my buddies.  I am back playing. Businesses, churches, organizations, etc seem to do that all the time (i.e. as it says in the book Waiting For White Horses--The good ones all do it).  I'm excited about getting after it again (i.e. but maybe with a little different motive).  CadillacJack says--It's good to take a vacation, a getaway, a refresher, a change of pace, do something different.  It's good for a person's soul.  

At the time!  Our college friend Buggsy sang in a quartet.  One of their songs was, "After you been having steak for a long time, beans beans taste fine.  But folks, after you have been having beans for a short time, steak tastes oh sooooo good!  It's a reminder of how good you had it. Buggsy sang at our wedding.  I emailed him and asked his if he remembers what song he sang (i.e. I don't know).  He said--No l don't. I can't even remember what they sang at our wedding.  My response--I guess at the time it was important!  Huh, interesting.

change up

Perspective I read while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it (i.e. not today, change up)--Give careful thoughts to your ways; don't try to become tooooo important...If you align yourself with My perspective, you can sort out what is important what is not...Don't fall into the trap of being constantly on the go. Take some time to be still.  Do a change up! Huh, interesting.  Do you think that is good advice?  LuckieEddie says--We sometimes know what our conviction is but we do what our preference is. Da! We are maybe like the Israelites, they wouldn't listen--They had their conviction but also their preference.  Why are we that way sometimes?

Jr ripster Erin and her Daddy

Not always sharp (i.e. top of our game)! I watched a little World Alpine Skiing Championship recently.  I wanted to see Lidnsey Vonn ski at Beaver Creek (i.e. I have had the opportunity to ski there a couple of times).  I can't believe they go down that mountain at 75 mph.  Crazy!  ANYWAY I heard the announcer say more than once--So and so is not sharp today; they just aren't at their best.  I found that interesting as no one can be at their best all the time.  No one.  I had lunch with some Northwestern College friends recently.  One is BenTheDoctor and he says--It's probably  best to be the first surgery of the doctor in the morning (i.e. not the 7th) and you probably don't want your doctor to do surgery if he had no sleep the night before (i.e. they probably aren't as sharp).  LuckieEddie says--We all have more days when we are not at our best.  I need to accept that I'm not always going to be at my best (i.e. humbly accept that).  BUT I think it's just as important to be humble when I'm at my best a.k.a. top of my game!  What do you think? AllStarRandy says--There are different ways of keeping score in life.  AllStarRandy is soooooo smart!  What more can I say.  

Down to one's dying day!  I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--Dr.David says--You’ve seen the bumper sticker: “He who dies with the most toys wins.” Yes, it’s a cynical statement about our materialistic culture; but there’s another layer of insight there concerning competition. Down to one’s dying day, life is all about comparisons and competitions...The apostle Paul (i.e. anybody can be a Paul) wrote that it is not wise to engage in such activity...If you are ever tempted to feel large or small based on comparisons with others, shift your focus to Christ.  Soooo suck it up cupcake, you're probably not as good as you think.  You just have an over inflated head a.k.a ego!  MissPerfect says--A lot of folks do...It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out. Such is life.

43% of women have some type of sexual dysfunction!  I read in the paper, soooo it must be right) that they are trying to develop a pill (i.e. female sex pill) to boost the sexual desire in women.  It says that women's sexual disorders have been over looked for tooooo long.  Women deserve equal treatment (i.e. there are 24 approved medical treatments for male sexual dysfunction).  Critics argue that women's sexuality is toooooo complex to be addressed by a single pill (i.e. I have no idea what that means).  MN-SeniorSnowbirdHarry says--Ya, now they come up a a pill; where has that pill been for the last 50 years?). AZ-GunslingerSlim says--erv erv erv.  You must not believe every piece of hooey you read in the paper written by some guy to sell papers (i.e. it is all about the money).  If that pill is possible, it would have been produced many many years ago.  The only folks that the article gets excited is some old farts!  Come on erv, come to your senses!  Be real!  Such is life.

The other day at my 4+ pickleball venue, there were two new guys who I have never played with or met before.  I really liked these guys (i.e. they were good players and were very nice--fun to play with).  ANYWAY one of them said to me--nice shot.  I don't ever respond (i.e. that is just me).  He said to me the second time--nice shot.  I didn't respond.  He said the third time, I say there, nice shot.  I said thanks.  It reminded me of Smokey (i.e. we called him Smokey 'cause he always had a Paul Mall 100 in his mouth while playing golf and never took it out).  Julius Burros did that tooooo.  Smokey was probably about 75 and I was maybe 25 (i.e. just learning the game).  He liked to play with me and I liked to play with him.  He would say to me occasionally, nice shot.  I didn't respond.  He would say to me, I say there nice shot as many times as it took for me to acknowledge his compliment.  He just didn't give up. One time I had him say it 5 times before I acknowledged him! What a fun memory.  

Sooooo who is right?  I was telling CoachRick about how my knees ached soooo bad during a night after playing 2 hours of hard pickleball (i.e. they usually don't hurt).  He said that his hand hurt the same night and another lady said her hip (i.e. I think it was) hurt the same night toooo.  They said it was a change in the weather.  Really I said.  Oh ya, it happens all the time.  Soooo I said something to TheCat and he said--Every day I have something that hurts.  It's just the process of getting old, erv!  Sooooo who is right?  
Aphorism--MI-EngineerJim says--After 65, if you don't wake up aching in every joint, you're probably dead. Yabut, there is always hope folks, always. Since ancient times, humans have been on the hunt for a miraculous serum to reverse aging, restore health, and preserve beauty. Early mythology tells of an “elixir of life,” and the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León came across Florida on his quest to find the Fountain of Youth. Imagine stumbling upon such a fountain! Imagine bathing in its clear, bubbling waters. Imagine sipping it, sweet and cool. Imagine all your ailments dissipating, all your wrinkles vanishing, and all your weakness turning to strength and my knees not hurting and CoachRick's hand not hurting and the lady's hip (i.e. I think) not hurting.  Imagine that now will ya!  Saturday question--Will heaven be that way?  It appears that a lot of folks in the past and currently think that.  That is hard to fathom isn't it.  Especially with my little human mind.  I hang my hat on this statement that I read (i.e. part of my favorite scripture)--His understanding I cannot fathom. If heaven is what many think it is, you guys won't need Viagra and you gals won't need this new sex pill either.  Bingo!

For sale motorcycle--hardly used--bought with a misunderstanding--she said, do what every you want--obviously I misunderstood what that meant!  I went back Saturday morning to the Leadership Conference and listened to Joesph Grenny talk about Crucial Conversations.  Here are some bullet points--When conversations turn from casual to crucial, we usually act our worse--To tell the truth and loose a friend or...--Easy way out is not to discuss--Folks will discuss or act--How we handle crucial conversations play a huge massive part of our lives--Learn how to tell someone something in a way that they still like you.  And make no mistake, this is the big one!!!!!!  If you want someone to like you, give them money! ha ha  We were at Dollar General the other day.  I guy from IL parked his 3-wheeler Harley motorcycle next to us.  I was admiring it and asked him how much it cost.  He said $36,000+!  Wow, I had no idea they cost that much.  I don't know if he was married or use to be married or never was married or if he got permission or if he understands what "do what ever you want" means!!!!

Church!?  I talked to a friend this week about one of their adult children and his wife who were having martial problems some time ago.  It was a mess and it appeared their marriage was heading for divorce.  I asked her this week how it was going.  She said--Unbelievable turn around.  They and their children started going to Hope Lutheran in West Des Moines and things have changed completely (i.e. the church offers programs for them and their children).  Sooooo I would encourage all of you to think about going to church.  Church ain't perfect but it sure has a lot of good.  Think about that folks.  Conviction or preference.  If by chance you have taken a break, now might the time to re-engage.  Could be something to think about. If you don't believe in God, that might be something to consider as well.  Just a thought.  If you are bitter about something, it might be a good time to dump it in the garbage.  Could be.  Just a thought. If you are a malcontent, it might be a good time to change that.  Might be.  Just a thought. If you think you are still in charge and control of everything, probably you won't need to do any of the above (i.e. you have it made).  You're good to go!  And you might think I am  bobito with my thinking. And maybe I am.  We will all find out someday now won't we. My opinion is that there is a God; I think the odds are more than a coin flip. But that is my opinion and you have your own opinion.  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Swallowing your pride occasionally will never give you indigestion.

Family Dynamics

93% of communication is non verbal.  I was told that at an Alzheimer's caregiver seminar that I attended.  Many Alzheimer's folks have a hard time verbalizing their thoughts.  It is a normal effect.  But they still have feelings and communicate non verbally.  And, we as caregivers, communicate a lot with our non verbal actions to them.  Our emotions are "emotional transferable" we were told.  That means our loved ones copy our emotions many times.  I wonder if normal kids' emotions are "emotional transferable" from their parents (i.e. like parents like child).  I wonder. It is something to think about anyway!

Scared of being jinxed or being zapped! Have you ever have had the "pants scared off of you"? I went to a legal seminar for caregivers as well.  A huge massive issue is "Family Dynamics".  Oh ya.  Everything seems great until things get ugly, illness in the family, death is staring everyone in the face, decisions have to be made or money is involved. I was reminded that "preplanning" is very important (i.e. my mentor taught me this) and get good advice (i.e. powerful medicine).  The speaker told us to get advice from a person who is a expert in the area of "Elder Law".  Don't listen to advice of your neighbor, golf buddy, your brother-in-law, bridge lady, your clergy or the medicine man (i.e. don't be intimidated). They might be nice folks but are not experts.  Also, find an attorney

Bruno, Charlie, and Bones

who is an expert in "Elder Law" not one that dabbles in it only cause they want your money (i.e. don't listen to Bruno and Bones either).  Medicaid and VA are "A Place of No"  but an expert is a "Place of Yes".  There are legally and ethically things to do to help folks to position themselves better or get some help sometimes.  You got to be persistent and tenacious (i.e. jump through the hoops). I also was reminded--If you have money, you have no choice except to pay (i.e. maybe not with VA).  Full nursing home care can cost about $6,000 - $7,000 per month.

Check out the picture closely folks!  A friend told me that another friend told him that a co-worker told him (i.e. sooooo it must be right)--That he didn't  know of  any story that couldn't use some embellishment! What is your Family Dynamics?  Brian said--Lincoln was a champion and he never gave up; I know as I was there. Here is a sketch of Lincoln's road to the White House:  1816 His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them.1818 His mother died. 1831 Failed in business. 1832 Ran for state legislature - lost. l832 Also lost his job - wanted to go to law school but couldn't get in. 1833 Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt. 1834 Ran for state legislature again - won. 1835 Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was broken. 1836 Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months. 1838 Sought to become speaker of the state legislature - defeated. 1840 Sought to become elector - defeated. 1843 Ran for Congress - lost. 1846 Ran for Congress again - this time he won - went to Washington and did a good job. 1848 Ran for re-election to Congress - lost. 1849 Sought the job of land officer in his home state - rejected. 1854 Ran for Senate of the United States - lost. 1856 Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party's national convention - get less than 100 votes. 1858 Ran for U.S. Senate again - again he lost. 1860 Elected president of the United States. Do you have any champions in your Family Dynamics? ShowBoatMabel says--If embellishment doesn't work, sell it with dramatics.  ShowBoatMable doesn't stop at anything except stop lights!  Such is live.

ItchieBitchie, do you think you are better than your family members?  If you don't, you sure act that way.  Family Dynamics are always soooo interesting to see.  And all families have different Family Dynamics.  But for the most part, no family member likes the family member who thinks they are better than the rest (i.e. even if they are).  ItchieBitchie says--Yabut, I can't help it that I'm better that the rest of my family!  MissPerfect, ItchieBitchie's sister, thinks she is always right; just ask her if you don't believe me.  Family get-to-gathers are always interesting in their family I bet!  Huh, interesting.

I rode my bike over to see some friends from back home recently.  Tarzan was playing billiards sooooo I talked with Jane--She told me a little about their Family Dynamics.  She said they were at a recent event in their 55+ community where the microphone was passed around and everyone was asked to say something about themselves.  She said I took the microphone as Tarzan doesn't do that thing and I do.  ANYWAY she said--I was told when I married Tarzan that he didn't say much.  We have been married for 50+ years and I have kept record; he has used 486 words!  She made me laugh.  God only knows how many words Jane has used!  Such is life.

Valentine Family Dynamics!  Arlene and I went out for breakfast last Saturday at a local ma and pa cafe (i.e. Valentines Day).  It was busy and there were two normal looking senior big burly guys sitting at a table where two tables were put together.  They asked if we wanted to sit a the other table.  We did.  They were from SD and car collectors.  Very nice guys.  They eventually asked about us.  I asked them if they were widowers?  One said he was and it was 3 years ago today (i.e. Valentines Day) that his wife passed away.  I asked him if it has been hard--very hard; especially the first year; went to a grief class at his church which really helped.  How about you, I said to the other guy--I have never been married--did you ever come close--yes I did; had the ring and was going to give it to her on Valentines Day but the night before she ran off with another guy--I have never got over that (i.e. he got tears in his eyes); that was some 45 years ago folks.  Ouchy ouchy!

A man received the following text from his neighbor..."I am so sorry Bob.  I've been riddled with guilt and I have to confess;  I have been helping myself to your wife day and night when you're not around. In fact, I have probably been getting more than you. I do not get it at home - but that's not an excuse.  I can no longer live with the guilt, and I hope you will accept my sincerest apology with my promise that it won't ever happen again."  The man, anguished and betrayed, went directly into his bedroom, grabbed his gun and, without a word, shot his wife dead.  A few moments later, a second text came in:  Darn Autocorrect!  Sorry Bob, the second sentence should read, "your Wifi"....

Duttons  Arlene and I went to the Duttons "show" this week.  They have a show in Branson and do their show in the winter here in Mesa.  We have gone every year we have been down here and have seen them in Branson as well.  Arlene really likes them.  ANYWAY their parents still perform with them but there are 5 siblings, their wives, and children who do the show.  One of the family told us that the most frequently asked question is--How do you guys all get along?  He said that they were a typical family who have disagreements, problems, and don't always agree.  He said--The real "show" is behind the stage!!!  ha ha

There are soooo many different Family Dynamics here in Sun Valley with the senior snowbirds--widows, couples married for 60 years, widowers, seniors who live together, second marriages, 8th marriages, blended families, folks who are sick, folks who have all different type of hobbies etc.  JoeTheHike went back to MN last Saturday.  He and I went out for a beer at a bar he frequents at beer thrity. He got to know some of the folks who frequent the bar a little.  One guy is CharlieThePreist.  He introduced him to me. CharlieThePriest said to us--I only come in here and drink on the days that end with "Y"!  JoeTheHike enjoys being home in MN and watching his grand girls play basketball in the state tourney.  His wife likes it here better sooooo she stays her and he goes back to MN.  Hey, whatever works folks. Such is life.

Got a shot!  Our home town HS boys basketball team has a good shot going to the state and maybe even winning it.  They are going into tournament play 20-1 and rated #3 in their class (i.e. I have a friend on the team soooo I'm real happy for them).  Before I went into business, I was an educator and boys bb coach.  During those 5 years I coached, I had 2 real good teams.  One team had a mid season problem as three of the starters got kicked off for drinking.  They were a good team.  Really should of gone to state. The other team was undefeated and rated #1 in our class.  Neither one of them got to the state tournament.  Couldn't get 'r none!  Must of been poor coaching!  Had to be.  HotShotEd says--Things always don't go the way we want.  It seems exceptionally hard to loose when you really want something bad. Especially when you don't think you lived up to your ability or circumstances just didn't work out.  That's just the way it goes sometimes.  GeorgeTheCrook says--Someone has to win and someone has to loose.  Yabut, it's a lot more fun to win than to loose.  My hope of coaching at the state tournament is a "ship that has sailed". As I get older, I find out that many of my "ships have sailed"! Such is life.

Suggestion--Don't have angst about your Family Dynamics.  I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--Do not let yesterday worry you nor tomorrow. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own...Do not give in to fear or worry, those robbers of abundant living...Trust Me enough to face problems as they come, rather than trying to anticipate them.  Does any of this make any sense to you?  Some folks prefer drugs or alcohol, an extreme busy schedule or eating etc.  CadillacJack says--Many times when we have a problem or situation that troubles us, we can't see nutten but the problem.  It's like -- Always right here; like a hand right in front of our face.  Ouchy ouchy! 

Curtain of Distraction!  I went to the ASU/UCLA basketball game this week.  The student

section has created a Curtain of Distraction.  Maybe you have seen it on national news or in the sports section (i.e. 98% of you probably have not). ANYWAY students have this curtain and open it with something crazy behind it to distract opposing players when they are shooting free throws.  It's crazy but fun.  We all have distractions in our lives that take away our focus.  No question.  But some of those distractions aren't as much fun.  

Leadership!  SusieQ says--Momentum is important in change and a leader keeps the momentum moving.  Positive energy gives us momentum. Smart leaders focus folks on where you want to go, and frame it positive (i.e. little by little with a little nudge and folks don't even know it).  It comes down to the leader's ability to inspire folks.  I went to a Leadership Conference with friends (i.e. sweet, great friends with good hearts--my kind of folks) at Broadway Christian Church last night.  We heard Bill Hybels and Louie Giglio speak (i.e. it's always good to learn I think).  I learned/relearned--Churches have Family Dynamics.  I get bored rather easily.  And church can at times bore me.  I like something new and not the "sameO sameO" all the time (e.g. liturgy of 100 years ago just doesn't excite me much). I think there is a place for Curtain of Distraction (i.e. not the main game but just some fun (i.e. my opinion). See link at the bottom of this!  This is what Bill and Louie had to say--Leadership is important!  One thing that sorta kinda struck me that was said--Humility makes good leaders.  Do you agree with that?

  We gotta be tougher than a grisly bear's grope!  Folks, we all need to adapt.  We just have tooooo.  I read in the paper soooo it must be right--Valley libraries are adapting to digital demand.  Family Dynamics is an area that changes constantly and we have to adapt.  If we don't, well, we just have toooo.  Some folks say they can't but they seem toooooo.  They just do.  We have no choice. Once we get that mentality of adapting, well, bingo, we are set to go!  

Learned from the Family Dynamics?  SmatPantsWanda asks--If a man who is born blind gets his eyesight at the age of 18 or older, how would he know who is beautiful and who is ugly?  Would he know that a fat person is overweight or that a skinny person is considered more attractive?  Would he know who is White or who is Back?  Who is a good pickleball player or who isn't?  SmartPantsWanda, that is known as Molyneux's Problem.  I'm not smart enough to figure that one out: I have no idea.  But, everyone has an opinion and an idea; that is for sure!  And many of those opinions and ideas are passed down from one generation in a family to the next.  Oh ya!  You can take the boy off the farm but not the farm out of the boy; you get the idea!  Years ago I was talking to a couple who knew a family (i.e. three generations--my friends) as I did.  They said--If I didn't see who I was talking to, I wouldn't know which person I was talking tooo--the granddad, his son or his grandson.  They all sound exactly the same.  Soooooo does some/much of our dynamics come from our Family Dynamics (e.g. if a parent is incarcerated, it's about 7X more likely the child will be locked up some day--if your parents are educated, your chance of being educated will be much greater--if your family is nice, chances are you will be nice). 

Real Family dynamics! Today, as my father, three brother, and two sisters stood around my mothers's hospital bed, my mother uttered her last coherent words before she died.  She simply said, "I feel so loved right now.  We should have gotten together like this more often."

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Teach thy tongue to say, I do not know.

Mike and Dawn are folks from the Rock of the Southwest in Littleton, CO (i.e. church were James and Heather go to). We traveled to Israel with them and got to know them.  ANYWAY Mike and Dawn are very talented.  This is a hilarious skit they put on for the church's Christmas program.  At the end, Mike sings Oh Holy Night that is very touching to me (i.e. my favorite Christmas song).  It ain't boring folks.  https://vimeo.com/116034042?from=facebook This one is the Hillbilly/O Holy Night

did you see that

Disclaimer:  As far as I know, this "It's Saturday" is not conflating and misremembering.  But it could be!  Read this with low expectations and you won't be disappointed.  Folks, make no mistake, this "It's Saturday" ain't NBC Nightly News!

Joesixpack, I cannot see what you are thinking.  What goes on in your mind is invisible, undetectable to others.  But from your actions, it appears that your arrow is going in the right direction (i.e. my opinion).  Did you see what Joesixpack just did.  Unbelievable.  He has a good heart.  No question. And he does it all year, not just on Valentines Day. I have commented to our family that I have had sooooo much fun with soooo many nice folks this year.  Folks have been sooooo nice to me.  Crazy!  I think these folks are special.  They might not know it--it's invisible to them.  SusieQ says--Or maybe, erv, it's like the story goes--A new guy came to town and asked the old gentleman--are folks nice here?  The old wise guy responded--were the folks nice in your old town--yes they were--you will find the folks nice here toooooo! Could be SusieQ, but I think most of the folks I have had the opportunity to be around are very special (i.e. a cut above the rest).  I can smell it!  Such is life.

Snivelers! I'm a Phoenix Suns fan.  But, they seem to be cry
babies lately (i.e. grumblers).  Always complaining about something.  They get a lot of technical fouls (i.e. they need to grow up).  Recently, the paper agreed with me and said the same thing.  They seem to have a histrionic behavior.  They whine (i.e. do you want cheese with your whine) and complain.  I don't enjoy watching them as much.  They think they are being picked on.  They aren't but just think sooooo.  Saturday question--Why are are some folks that way and others are not?  There must be a reason.  I was talking to a friend some time ago and he told me that one of his family makes a mountain out of a molehill (i.e. a big time kvetcher). Why does that person do that?  I don't have a clue.  What do you think?

Rattle the folks! I was talking with a past president of a 55+ community owners association.  He said that most of the folks who own in their 55+ community were/are successful folks.  They managed business, owned business, had powerful jobs, made major decisions etc.  When you get a 1,0000 of them together, you have a 1,000 opinions which they all think are right (i.e. and maybe they are).  It's a challenge.  LuckieEddie says--Then you add the super age factor and the hard of hearing factor and the can't remember factor to the pot, it's really challenging.  Some meetings are more like, "Live From NY, It's Saturday Night Live".  When you drive through the 55+ communities, you really can see that.  Such is life.

Obviously he didn't see that wall!  SpeedyGonzales was just running his life like a fast break (i.e. wide open; as fast as he could).  It looked like a sure score at the end. Then he just ran his fast break into a wall.  He didn't see it coming (i.e. a sizzle became a fizzle).  It seems like I like to sit, with a cup of coffee, and just read the paper more than I use tooooo. I think I must be just really relaxed, lazy or tired.  You ever fell that way? Some folks are forced to take a break 'cause of illness or an injury. Others just take a break. LuckieEddie says--Give careful thought to your ways; don't get out of whack! Such is life.

If you had more free time or any free time at all, what would you do with it?  Time is a finite resource, just as money is. What we do with a little is often reflective of what we would do with a lot. How we handle what we have now determines the spirit and style in which we would handle much more.  So what would you do if you had spare time or more spare time?  ItchieBitchie says--I don't have time to think about that! Inspire me erv, don't ask me silly questions!  To that I say--Would you like some cheese with your whine? My Daddy, Chester, said to me--erv, most folks don't spend enough time thinkin'.  

.Unconsciousable!  MissPerfect (i.e. who is something special) says--Whatever occupies your mind the most becomes your god.  Sooooo I have no idea what occupies your mind the most.  I can't see into your mind.  What occupies your mind anyway?  Maybe I don't want to know.  MissPerfect says--erv, you don't want to know!  Ouchy ouchy!  Would you want other folks to know what you think about sometimes?  Achoo!  Achoo! Achoo!  Seriously ItchieBitchie, what lights up your mind?  It might be hard for you to verbalize but try.  I get floor burns just thinking what it might be ItchieBitchie!  ItchieBitchie says--That's not neither here nor there; soooo let's move on! TheAZ-DesertRat says--As  your thinking goes, so goes your entire being. Such is life.

One of those!  These gals are "one of those"!  Yes they are--my friends--have good hearts--they are very cool (i.e. they are always happy)--fun to be around. They lift my spirits.  I bet you didn't see that description of them coming when I said--"one of those" now did ya.  You thought the thought of them being "one of those"!  They live up to their team saying--Cool People Smile! (-:  They are always bubbly.  I should pay them just for the opportunity to be around them.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--May God happy you!  Some folks are malaise when you talk about God.  I can understand why they are turned off by churches or religious actions sometimes.  Really I can but not by thinking about God.  I think (i.e. my opinion) there is a huge difference.  I was talking to a friend (i.e. she seems very smart) recently and she said that she was turned off by the church for a while--how come--hypocrites! Those hypocrites are folks, not God.  There is a huge massive difference here folks.  Hey, you don't have to agree with me. Really. I'm all right with that.  Really. Hey, just let me wish God's happiness on you even if you are wondering if there is a God or if you don't believe there is a God.  You aren't out any money. I have no power to affect you.  None! Just say thank you for caring about me. Such is life.

Optical illusions Look at the picture one way and you see an old hag; look hard at it another way and you see a beautiful girl. Saturday question--Do we ever look at things wrong?  Do we see only what we want to see?  Crazy huh!  Sometimes, it appears, that our expectation is different than reality.  Have you ever done something stupid and said--What was I thinking?  Where did that come from.  I really can frustrate myself sometimes when I do that.  And it ain't nutten new for me!  Ouchy ouchy!  I never see those stupid things coming; I didn't see that coming!  I have to ask myself--erv, did you see that?  Did I really do that.  I can't believe that!  Wow!

Friends' son is a statistician.  He works for the government but his side job is keeping statistics for the Atlanta Hawks.  Did you see the movie Money Ball?  He sorta kinda does that.  #s don't lie folks.  Sometimes we don't see the truth as we are blinded by our egos etc.  Ouchy ouchy!  But #s don't lie folks.  I think I need to hire this guy to do statistics on my life and for a little extra maybe he will do it for my pickleball game.  Maybe I might be surprised!  #s don't lie folks.  Gerald Green is a player for the Phoenix Suns.  He's a great shooter but they hardly play him any more.  Why?  Cause he can't play defense. Defense plus-minus ratio, an espn.com statistic, estimates a player's on-court impact on the team defensive performance.  His is the second-worst rating among 468 players.  Ouchy ouchy!  Joesixpack says--Ya got to play/pay the "rain makers"!  It you can't make rain, you sit on the bench or you don't get paid as much.  It's a lot easier to see this with sales.  Just add the figures folks.  Harder in education. It's all about results folks but I never did understand why you would pay an obvious poor teacher the same as an obvious good one.  Never understood that.  Such is life.

I saw that!  Yes I did.  Arlene and I had breakfast at Eggingtons (i.e. our favorite breakfast place).  Our waitress was a sweetheart (i.e. very very nice young lady).  I told her that she was professional but very real.  I watched her when she wasn't with us but just doing her work.  She was happy and just showed she was a good person.  Good things will happen to her--no question.  ANYWAY a couple of weeks ago I asked our waitress (i.e. who also was very nice and a young lady--only has young people as waiters and waitresses) if they are trained--yes we are; and we have to pass a test).  Is Tom (i.e. he's the owner) demanding--he has high expectations of us but is a good boss.  He is very selective who he hires; many times from the same families or friends of the same family (i.e. he sorta kinda knows what he is getting).  I think you can sorta kinda see that Tom runs a good business.  I can see that.  He has a lot of folks who patronize his shop.  Must be a reason.

corked The term "corked" can be substituted for "screwed." Meaning: To impose on another boat's fishing territory; to take advantage of. Context: Used by the crew members when another boat cuts in front of them and "steals" the fish they were trying to catch. Have you ever been corked a.k.a. screwed?  I met a retired professional fisherman playing pickleball recently.  The salmon gather in the bays (i.e. during ebb tides) and when the strong incoming "flood" tides happens the salmon catch a free, fast ride through the Johnstone Strait to spawn.  The fishermen can make a huge massive score it they are in the right place at the right time (i.e. the prime Salmon is the Sockeye--biggest money maker).  This only happens for about 3-4 weeks out of the year in this strait and only when the tide is right.  The money a boat can earn is directly related to how fast the crew can spool out the net and pull it back in (i.e. can be big money folks BIG MONEY). If you are not in the right spot at

the right time, you make nutten or pennies). Seine/Drift fishing is like the Minneapolis 500. Boats run aground, run over nets and crash into each other with adrenaline pumping regularity. Competition is fierce and the space between boats is scare. Boats will often try to steal another’s fish by laying their net only a few feet upstream of another boat’s net. When this happens, one boat catches all the fish and the other has an empty net. This is called “corking.”  SusieQ says--I didn't see it coming but, boy, did I get corked!  Such is life.

I did not see it coming!  I got a good break this week. It just fell in my lap! The break came through observations, a newspaper article, what a pickle ball friend said to me, and listening to the advice of a friend. I really think this is going to impact my life. In fact, I think it has already. Big time, huh! The accumulation of those experiences gave me a vision of improving my life. No rocket science folks but just reminding me of stuff I knew but was not applying (i.e. got away from what I believe).  It wasn't the jingle jangle of money. It was much more important than that. AverageJoe says--85% of our learning is derived from listening. Saturday question--Are you a good listener? Do you really care about other people and their opinions? Or are you much more interested in talking about yourself (i.e. inflating your ego)? Miss perfect says--If you are not a good listener, it's very hard to learn--it's amazing what you'll hear if you just listen! BusinessmanFred says--The biggest lesson I have learned through the years...is to listen to your people...to get their ideas and listen to their impact...I make a lot better decisions when I do that. SusieQ says--What you'll learn all depends what you are listening for? And there is a massive huge difference between hearing and listening folks.  Such is life.

P.S. I also learned the meaning of malaise from a friend this week. WildWillie says--erv, it's easy for  you to learn a lot 'cause you don't know much to start with.  WildWillie, you do have a point there!  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Past experiences should be a guide post, not, a hitching post.

insulted or flatered

Disclaimer:  If you think any of this "It's Saturday" is unpleasant or icky or repulsive or nasty, just skip it.  You don't have to read the part that insults you.  You can just read the part that flatters your ego. Well pitter patter, lets get at her! We're burning day light!


Have you ever had someone say something to you and you didn't know if they insulted you or flattered you?  Ya just can't tell the difference!  GeorgeTheCrook says--You ain't lying erv! You think it was an compliment but it might have been an insult.  Sometimes you really never do find out.  Humor can be that way--you don't know if folks are laughing at you or with you.  Sometimes you think you can't tell by their tone of voice (i.e. email and text you can't).  But  you still don't know for sure soooo you wonder.  Such is life.

I read in the paper sooooo it must be right--Most folks tend to remember negative comments about them more than positive comments--Many folks do not or cannot receive praise well.  Maybe that is why when deciding if we are being insulated or flattered, we tend to think it's an insult. Huh, interesting

Insult or flattery? A great story of cursing comes from the Jewish writer, Leo Rosten, as retold by Phillip Howard, the English political commentator. Cecil (né Sidney) B de Millstein was finishing his spectacular The Triumph of King David. On the desert near Beersheba. Three high towers had been erected, each crowned with cameras, cameramen, and sound equipment. These towers plus his own were de Millstein’s way of ensuring that the climactic scene, a battle using 3,000 extras, 400 camels, 2,000 spears, etc, would be filmed from every angle. “Action!” called de Millstein over the loudspeakers. And what action there was. Never had filmic battle raged so convincingly. When, after 15 uninterrupted minutes of mayhem, de Millstein cried “Cut!” the crews burst into cheers. Into his telephone to Tower 1, Cecil B de Millstein barked: “You got it all, Moshe?” An anguished voice replied: “Our power went off. We couldn’t shoot a single frame.” “May the Lord plant beets in your stomach. May the doctors name a disease after you!” shouted de Millstein. He flipped his intercom to Tower 2. “Chaim! You caught it all?” “Mr de Millstein, please don’t get mad. The cameraman forgot to reload. I ran out of film after three minutes.” “Idiot! Murderer! May your tapeworm develop constipation.” De Millstein snapped to Tower 3. “Sol? Sol?” “Mr de Millstein, never was there such a scene. You are a genius.” “Okay rush the film to the lab.” “The film?” echoed Sol. “I thought it was a rehearsal.” “Moron!” roared de Millstein. “May trolley cars invade your stomach. May the moyl circumcise your first son and throw away the wrong piece.” The great de Millstein slammed down the phone, and turned to his own cameraman. “Thank God, you’re here, Nate. I’m sure everything was OK with our setup.” “Absolutely!” shouted Nate. “Enough film in the camera?” “Plenty, boss!” “The sound okay?“ “The sound is perfect.” “Thank God.” To which there was the confident response: “We’re ready whenever you are, Mr de Millstein.”

For crying out loud!  A very nice lady said to me that I have zany humor!  I don't know if she insulted me or flattered me.  I took it as a compliment 'cause she is a nice lady.  MyFriendJim (i.e. anybody can be a Jim) said to me the other day--erv, I think pickleball has screwed your head up!  Was he insulting me or flattering me? He also told me that somethings are ununderstandable but folks believe them.  To some folks those same things that are ununderstandable are also unbelievable.  But he said there is a difference.  Was he insulting some folks and flattering some folks?

ForPete'Sake!  My friend a.k.a. CaptainCanada a.k.a. TheVancouverLegend  a.k.a. my pickleball mentor a.k.a. 4.5+PinkishBigPete wore this outfit playing picklbeball this week.  The other day he had a real wild getup on.  I kidded him saying--Did you just get out of bed or what!  I hope he thought I was complimenting him (i.e. having fun with him) and didn't think I was insulting him.  I think he knows me well enough to realize I was giving him a hard time.  But I don't know for sure. Pickleball players (i.e. my opinion) just like surfers have a certain dress and skate boarders have a certain dress etc.  I don't have the Peteish pickleball outfits like him--yet (i.e. remember, he's my mentor). I like how he thinks for himself.  He must be quite confident (i.e. you would have to be real confident to wear that outfit!!!!!).  ha ha  BigPete is confident. JoeBlow asks--erv, why do you use soooo much ink on something that matters sooooooo little?  Well, JoeBlow, it's 'cause it's sooooo much fun!  It just makes me laugh! And I like this guy! Such is life.

MyFriendSteve a.k.a. CaptainAmerica called me and said--Folks tell him he's livin' the dream (i.e. all black limos and red carpet).  He told me--erv, your living the dream.  Am I?  Was he insulting me of flattering me? I really don't know.  What do you think?  I took it as a compliment 'cause he's a nice guy. What is living the dream to one
person is not living the dream to another.  Actually folks, Arlene and I never had a dream of being snowbirds.  It was way beyond our expectation.  I would guess many of the snowbirds would tell you the same. It just fell into our lap.  Such is life.

Crash and burn.  Joesixpack says--I have been on the top and thought I was really something only to find out that folks were just flattering me (i.e. making me feel good but really didn't mean it). Joesixpack, you have been listening to tooooo much Game Day about yourself and got an over inflated opinion of yourself.  You aren't near as good as you think 'cause you listened to what they said (i.e. got the big head).  You listened waaaaay tooooo much to the applause: crowd noise. Now your head has be deflated and you feel like you're at the bottom (i.e. fell off the cliff).  The transition really didn't take that long (i.e. ask Pete Carroll). Soooo be careful who you listen to and and what they say.  Those folks can leave a very bad after taste in your mind. Soooo was this an insult or flattery?

Let's unpack your mind. OneSmartGuy told me that there is a difference between confidence and arrogance.  Bingo!  LuckieEddie says--If you are confident you say--sureandwill.  If your are not confident, you say--ifandmaybe.  If you are arrogant, you have no idea what you are saying!  I believe a person can be very confident yet very humble (i.e. they do not have bravado).  I really think that.  What do you think. I read in the paper the other day soo it must be right--If someone imitates you, it is a great compliment.  Huh, interesting. GeorgeTheCrook says--Negative thoughts develop demons and doubts!  Ouchy ouchy!

The folks in our Alzheimer's support group quizzed me a lot recently.  Like, really how are you doing erv,  Really, how are you doing emotionally?  I live a normal life in a new normal I told them!  They said--Being a caregiver is the most difficult thing they have ever done.  Do you agree?  Yes, it is very difficult for me but I'm doing it.  Do you share your emotions with anyone--no, not really.  They don't want to hear my sad story; they have their own sad story.  Do you share your emotions with your children?  No, not really.  They are smart kids and know me. You have always been in charge, haven't you?  You need to open up to them and tell them that you aren't very tough and you need some help.  I cried.  If you don't you will get physically sick and won't be able to take care of Arlene.  You have to be vulnerable. You need the support of your immediate family. I have it. They won't completely understand but you need to contact them and ask for help.  I cried some more.  Your emotions aren't going to get any better but worse unless you expose yourself.  You need help.  You need to show your feelings to them,  Ouchy ouchy!  Sooooo I talked to a couple of friends and our kids about this (i.e. am I different; am I missing something).  I think and they think I'm doing ok but do need to take the advice of the group and share my emotions with them sooooo they can help me.  Soooo we decided, I will try to be more vulnerable when my emotions get messed up.  Just a call, email, face time, skype or text from them is such an encouragement even when I'm ok. CadillicJack says--Encouragement lifts folks' spirits (i.e. boast folks' confidence).  

SusieQ says--You can look at things a 100 different ways. But remember, no one is 100% right. That is soooo true SusieQ, sooooo true. I think it makes a huge massive difference if you are confident or not (i.e. your frame of mind). OneSmartGuy told me that you can develop confidence by doing something repetitive (i.e. getting good at it).  But self-confidence is when have have an inner spirit about yourself that gives you strength.  Thank you very much!  AverageJoe says--Confidence is a beautiful thing.

Charles Barkley!  They were discussing Northwestern basketball on a  half time show.  They were saying that Northwestern is sooooo close, sooooo close.  They are almost there.  They loose by just a few points.  They are almost there.  Charles Barkley said--I have heard that about Northwestern basketball for 8 years--they are almost there (i.e. they need to light up the scoreboard).  Close doesn't count, you gotta get there.  MissPerfect says--Closeness a.k.a. being very close only counts in horse shoe and nickin'!  MissPerfect, how many years has it been since you have been nicklin'?  I bet you were pretty good at nickin' in your day.  You just look like you would be a good  nicker'! SuperSeniorBetty says--Being very close using the snowbird vernacular is varicose!

I don't think I insulted her but I hope I flattered her!  We were having a bagel at our little bagel shop.  We have seen this couple in there before wearing their same caps.  Sooooo I asked her how old her cap was?  Oh, maybe about 10 years old.  I admire your confidence by wearing it (i.e. she just smiled).  It must be special to you?  I just like it.  Sooooo how old are you anyway?--I won't tell  you--Her husband said--she's a year younger than me and I'm 90 sooooo that makes her 89!  I won't hold it against you that you are a Yankee fan--I'm not really, I just got a good deal on on the cap at at Good Will for 75 cents!  They left the shop and got on their bikes and rode off!  Very interesting folks. Very special folks (i.e. my opinion).  I really like folks with confidence.  I wish I could teach our grand kids that.  How do you do that?  When folks have confidence, others can try to get in their heads but--no dice!

My buddy asked me if I ever watched the movie, Jeremiah Johnson.  I said, I didn't know--couldn't remember.  He really likes that movie and had the DVD of it.  Soooo I watched it.  Yes, I did watch it before but many years ago and really didn't remember all of it.  My buddy said he watches it every year at least once (i.e. that's about 45 times).  To be a mountain man, you would have had to tough, really tough.  I don't know if it would be an insult to be considered a mountain man or a compliment.  What do you think?  You would surely have to have a certain mind set.  And have a lot of confidence.  Mountain men for sure were individualist.  As part of the song in the movie goes--The way that you wander is the way that you choose!  Such is life. Curious--how many of you have watched it?  Have any of you watched it 45 times?

Different strokes for different folks!  I don't have a fetish but I like the feeling of clean teeth.  ItchieBitchie says--erv, you are one "grade A whacko"! Hey, I think clean teeth makes me feel better.  I have always liked to have my teeth cleaned at the dentist.  I realize that probably most of you don't.  I might be insulting you or I might be flattering you--you decide.  Like I said earlier, if I hurt your feelings, skip this section.  1 out of 8 you are!  In life, whatever we don't like, we somehow do less of or avoid completely,  whether it's good or bad for us does not matter.  If we don't like it, we don't do it or at least we don't do it much.  Only 1 in 8 Americans floss daily.  Is this inspirational?  I don't know about that but what I do know is that a toothache, gum disease or missing teeth sure aren't inspirational.  I bought a water flosser (i.e. water pic with electric toothbrush).  The two cost me about the same as a pair of cheap running shoes.  I think it was a very good investment for me (i.e. maybe not for you--if sooooo buy some candy instead).  It took me a little time to adjust to using them, but I got it now.  I don't want to sound like your mother but--it saves your teeth (i.e. $$$), prevent gum diseases, and research shows there is a connection between gum disease and cardiovascular disease.  Besides, for me, it feels oh soooooo good.  I still floss the old way as well. But I don't care what you do.  I'm just telling you what I do. That's your decision.  You say--can'tdo,don'tdo,shoulddo,cando,willdo--a changed life burgeons! Such is life.

If you didn't like the flossing suggestion, you won't like this paragraph. Just skip to the next paragraph. Do I insult myself by not doing what I think is right?  Or do I flatter myself in saying I don't believe that stuff?  I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--Jesus said--I am with you always (i.e. the last words He spoke before ascending into heaven).  This is proclaimed to all who will listen.  Folks respond to that statement in various ways.  Skeptics and non believers might just blow it off.  Most Christians accept this teaching as truth (i.e. like flossing is good) but some ignore it in their daily living (i.e. but still don't floss).  Ouchy ouchy! Believers shouldn't be nibblers at the possible but grabbers of the the impossible.  Saturday question--Do very intelligent folks have a hard time believing in what they can't figure out themselves (i.e. over their head--it doesn't make sense--it can't be proven)?

Thoughtful invective I read in the paper soooooo it must be right--The truth is, this is an age of mindless profanity, not thoughtful invective. There are very few still around who take the time and trouble to craft literate, elegant insults – like Winston Churchill in the House of Commons calling Clement Attlee, the Labour Prime Minister, “a sheep in sheep’s clothing.”  Or the Australian Paul Keating sneering at a long-time political opponent: “This little flower, this delicate little beauty, this cream puff… this shiver looking for a spine to run up.”

A 55+ community pickleball club (i.e. a park that has been soooooo nice to me) decided at their recent club meeting that they will have two rules: 1. No bad language! 2. You can't pee in the garbage can!  Are those rules insulting folks or flattering folks?

Maybe just maybe we aren't smart enough to figure out if we are being insulted or flattered.  Could be folks. And hear this magnificent insult or flattery come down to us through the mists of time – it is the marvellous taunt delivered thousands of years ago by Thersites against King Agamemnon: “An honest fellow enough, and one that loves quails, but he has not so much brain as ear-wax!” Ouchy ouchy!  

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--A diplomat is one who can tell a man he is open minded when he means he has a hole in his head.