What do we do now!

MissPerfect says—erv, you are sorta kinda odd but I still like you.  It appears at times that you are sorta kinda in left field and are mumbling incoherently.  Like I said, you are rather odd, erv. Well hardy har har! Thanksamillion for the encouragement MissPerfect.  I like you tooooo!  Really folks—My mouth is open in wonder!  You guys really amaze me.  You are rock stars. Really! You guys are really something.  Thanksamillion guys for being my friends. You guys are full of magic. You folks are icons today and will be legends tomorrow.  Yes you will. Such is life.

Do you want some cheese with your whine?  What are you going to do now?  ItchieBitchie says—I’m going for the gusto folks, going for the gusto!  That is what I’m going to do.  I’m going to the bodega and get some wine soooo I can stop my whining and commiserating!  That aught to work ItchieBitchie!  How much do you think it will take?

Explanation not an excuse!  ItchieBitchie says—Many think they should have done better than what they have. Ya, we have a tendency to convolute reality now don’t we.  I read this in the paper (i.e. sooo it must be right) about this guy who hit some one and the guy died.  He got 10 years.  The judge said that he expressed remorse and was under the influence at the time of the attack. It was "not an excuse but an explanation...for a particularly violent senseless assault". Ouchy ouchy!  GeorgeTheCrook says--Alcohol and drugs can even make ugly girls look good!  They also make us think we are better than what we are. They affect our decisions.  We can make some real poor decisions when we are under the influence (i.e. why do casinos serve free drinks).  Da! And decisions have consequences, which we all know.  SusieQ says--It's unlikely but many folks think they are smarter when under the influence; from my experience, it surely can affect our senses!  Bingo! 

Stranger things have happened folks. LuckieEddie (i.e. it seems he always looks like he has to take a crap) says--The Bible pushes/advertises for the Honda Accord!  Did you know that?  It does, really! Folks don’t all agree on how Christians should worship but they agree on that.  There was a time when there was only one Christian church. It was the church in Jerusalem and, immediately after Christ’s ascension, it appears to have had 120 members. By contrast, today there are more than 40,000 Christian denominations in the world (i.e. folks interpret information differently I guess).  But still all those 40,000 denominations have on thing in common.  That is they are all of “one accord in prayer”. I have evaluated the information and think the following statement is true (i.e. my opinion)—Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid. 

Berry funny! This might knock the sauce out of you and the socks off of you. WonderingMindFred asks--You ever wonder what kind of underwear certain folks wear?  When I get bored at a meeting or at church (i.e. when the pastor is boring or the service is rote) I wonder about this stuff.  WonderingMindFred, I think you might be surprised what their underwear looks like, particular women (i.e. they might not wear the same kind that you do).  We ate dinner when we were in CO at White Chocolate in Meadows Mall in Lone Tree.  James, little Jimmer and I were walking to the Lego store and walked by a women’s underwear store displaying some real wild underwear (i.e. my opinion) in the window (i.e. I would guess pretty inexpensive as there is nutten to them).  Little Jimmer says—Mommy would like those.  He was referring to the flowers used in the display window next to some real skimpy hot pink undies!  What a hoot!  Give that little Jimmer a few years when his hormones kick in and he probably won’t even see the flowers any more I bet.  DaddyJames had a good laugh! Such is life.

LadyHessSays--Men Are Just Happier People -- What do you expect from such simple creatures? The garage is all yours. The world is your urinal. You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky. People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them. One mood all the time. Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack. Three pairs of shoes are more than enough. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.

What do I do now?  What would you do?  On my way to volunteering, I stopped at Kwik Trip to get a newspaper.  As I was leaving I ran into a former long time female employee who I haven’t seen for some time.  I wanted to hug her but didn’t think it was appropriate in public and I thought about shaking her hand (i.e. that would have been cheeseie I thought) soooo I didn’t do either.  We talked for a short time and a long time male friend who I haven’t seen since last fall came by.  I shock his hand.  Sooooo I do treat woman different than men!  You know why?  ‘Cause they are women!  That is why. They even smell different than men!  ha ha

Wyatt Earp had a presence in himself like–I will gun you down!  Some folks can walk into a room and the thermostat rises.  Others go unnoticed or folks just turn their heads.  Why is that do you think?  It could be, maybe, ‘cause that person is abnormal in some way (i.e. physically or mentally, both good or bad). Some folks just light up the room and others turn out the lights.  In many cases, the light brighteners don’t even know they do that and the light dimmers, in many cases, don’t know they are the light dimmers but think they are the brighteners (i.e. false impression of themselves).  Huh, interesting.  In some cases, this attitude might be jangling to them when they find out the correct impression others have of them (i.e. if they ever do)!  I wonder if some folks have an extraordinary incongruity of themselves. They think they have the folks in their hip pocket but they really don’t (i.e. a total mis-conception).  I wonder.  GerorgeTheCrook says—Numbers don’t lie folks—the proof is in the pudding—those are the facts!  Such is life.

Ya, I write a lot about money (i.e. it’s all about the money). Yes, it definitely does matter but not as much as Americans think. The psychological studies have shown that once a person earns $75,000.00 a year, there is no real appreciable difference in happiness beyond that amount. Increasing money does not increase happiness, but the lack of money can cause extreme woes. Yes, there is a huge difference in happiness between a person who earns $5,000 a year and a person who earns $50,000 a year. There is basically no difference in happiness between a person who earns $50,000 a year and one who earns 50 million a year. It is the illusion of riches and the mistaken belief that it will bring joy. It won't. Money absolutely does not buy happiness. I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--In the words of Jesus, "and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." CrazyMarvin says—Put that in your pipe and smoke it!

I read this in the paper soooo it must be right--Environmental engineers call China one of the most smog-polluted nations on earth, with only 3 of its 74 largest cities meeting air quality standards. In Beijing, for example, the smog is so heavy that residents sometimes can’t see the end of the block. Now the government is teaming up with innovators to bottle air from the distant Laojun Mountains and transport it to urban areas. Residents can now stop at breathing stations, don an air mask, and breathe the atmosphere of another land. China’s president, Xi Jinping, has endorsed the idea, saying, “Air quality is now a deciding factor in people’s perception of happiness.” Huh, interesting.  Saturday question—Are you a happy person?  How come?  Really? Really!

SuperStarSlickBridgeLadySally (i.e. who is bikini friendly) stops at nutten except stops signs. Ya, her mouth does the talking but her bladder calls the shots!  She just blew a kiss to conservatism.  She leads with her personal selfish desires and not with her heart (i.e. she throws rockets and darts with accuracy).  She does what ever it takes; she has no limits.  Sorta kinda like the NCAA football playoff.  They made the schools $500,000,000 this last year.  $200,000,000 more under the new plan.  It’s all about the money folks just like SlickBridgeLaddySally’s actions.  And let me tell ya what folks, she is real good at it! A real animal. Real good! Very slick!

Everyone wants to be like Jordan.  Under Armour just hit the jackpot with Jordan Speith.  He, by winning the Masters, will make them billions as he has a contract to wear their clothing.  Yes billions folks.  And it will make him many millions just with Under Armour.  Isn’t that really something how money works?  I’m just amazed.  How in a year Jordan’s life has changed. And also his caddy Michael (i.e. from teacher to inside the ropes with a champion).  It’s the dream of many and only a few get to live it.  Amazing.  But remember folks, as my mentor would say—erv, it’s never as good as it looks and never as bad as it looks.  ItchieBitchie says—With more money and talent and empowerment, comes more responsibility and more expectations; there are a world of deals out there folks, a world of them.  Those world deals are out there for everyone but folks with much money and fame comes more deals and more decisions!  Ask Tiger if you don’t believe me!  Bingo.

My Mom, Anna, was a resilient lady.  She was also kind, gracious, loving, hard working, God fearing, and sweet.  She was a great mom.  She also liked flowers.  She had an ivy that we now call Anna’s ivy.  I think all her children and grandchildren have a plant from a snip of the original plant from the farm a mile and a quater south of Roseland, MN.  That has been about 45 years ago.  It is almost as resilient as Anna.  I put the plant in the basement for the four months we are gone for the winter.  Take it out when we get back and it comes back to life.  That amazes me just like my Mom, Anna, did.  

“I will be back!” Remember what movie that was in?  Of course you do.  I will be back next Saturday folks if you like it or not.  I’m like a bad cold; you can’t get rid of me! Resilient like Anna and Anna’s ivy!  

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness comes through your door.

Interpreting information

Disclaimer:  This "It's Saturday" is not cryptic or secretive!  Don't fool yourself folks, there is no subliminal message here at all.  Soooo don't overreact and don’t try to read anything into this.  I'm not that smart to fool you guys nor do I have that ability (i.e. but I must admit that after interpreting the information about some of you guys, some of you look pretty easy).  Abraham Lincoln said--You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.

Jordon--Master Class Champ

Warren Buffet seems to have ability like few others.  He can look at financials and see things others can’t seem to see.  It appears that he has unique quantitative thinking that seems pretty amazing.  You don’t need quantitative thinking to understand the feelings we had Sunday once again of having the opportunity of doing the  “tradition like none other” of  watching “the tradition like no other” (i.e. The Masters) with Chet, Jessica, Charlie, and Rookie.  I tell you what folks, it’s special to us.  Arlene and I have watched the final round of the Masters with Chet (i.e. half man and half amazing) for many many years but it’s even more

special now that he has a family.  It’s easy to interpret the feeling that little Charlie gives us by waiting by the window by the door in our anticipation of our arrival.  Now that warms a guy’s heart folks.  What more needs to be said.

The 1976 and 2006 Rolling Hills Country Club Champ (i.e. that is right folks, 30 years apart) Geno says--On the way back from The Rolling Hills Country Club, my grandson, Jarred, innocently said to my son, Brett, “Dad, I know babies come from mommy's tummies, but how do they get there in the first place?”  After Brett hemmed and hawed awhile, Jarred finally spoke up in disgust, “You don't have to make up something, Dad. It’s okay if you don’t know the answer.”

AverageJoe (i.e. he’s not lost but just exploring even if he does look lost) says--A low snipe hook is about as bad as feeling sorry for yourself.  Do we ever interpret information and feel sorry for ourselves.  Some times we just need to buck up and go forward even when it is hard (i.e. gut it out).  We all have those low snipe hooks at times.  We can always find some excuse and blame it on something or somebody but the reality is that we need to adjust and fight fight fight (i.e. be tough).  And sometimes we just interpret the information wrong!  Saturday question--Have you ever done that? I talked to my smart neighbor, Barrney Google, the other day when coming back from my run (i.e. a gal with a good heart; a real person--my kind of person).  Her Daddy called her Barney Google as a young girl.  She told me that sometimes we lie to ourselves and keep believing those lies (i.e. ouchy ouchy).  She went on to say--If we don't get to the root of the problem, we can't change.  Bingo!  

Slosh through!  Secretariat and I hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back January 2, 2005.  The temperature at the top was about 30 degrees. We started with snow and ice on the trail (i.e. wore crampons).  Then the trail turned to just ice and then to slush and then to mud.  I mean red, sticky, gooey mud.  Some gals with their new shoes tried not to get them muddy.  There was no choice but to slosh through the mud (i.e. slop through it).  After they got their new shoes dirty, it didn’t make any difference.  Huh, interesting.  Sorta kinda like stuff that happens to us in life, ya got to just slosh through it (i.e. my opinion).  

Helping you to interpret the information!  If you want to know how much sugar you are eating in foods that you buy use this formula. Divide the grams of sugar on the label by 4 to get the teaspoons. For example, 40 grams of sugar equals 10 teaspoons of sugar. Teaspoons are easier to understand and visualize. This will help give you a better idea of exactly how much sugar you are eating. It

Yikes, that is a lot of sugar!

makes a difference if you understand that the 67 grams of sugar in that bottle of Pepsi is about 17 teaspoons of sugar. It's the sweet truth but ouchy ouchy!  Da! Wonder why we have obese folks!  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out.  67 grams equals about 270 calories and a person would have to walk about 4.5 miles to burn it up. If you sit on the couch and eat chips, you will never burn up the calories but just add more. Bingo!  Such is life.

PeggySuePrettyPrettyPrettyPeggySue says--The digital world along with education enables folks to interpret information themselves.  Years ago they couldn’t and had to do what others told them (e.g. church).  They were pretty much at the mercy of others.  That is why the rich overpowered the poor until it got tooooo much out of hand (i.e. rebellion or a civil war).  Nowadays, everyone is an expert in interpreting information and don’t rely on others.  We have also learned that folks try to manipulate others for their own benefit (i.e. usually money).  But…scams are still popular and folks seem to fall for excessive interest rates now don’t they.  Just read the paper.  GeorgeTheCrook says—Usually if it’s toooo good to be true, it is but we are are suckers at times!  Bingo! 

SusieQ use to be the little girl behind the desk, but the good life of fluency has changed that now hasn’t it.  Bingo!  That little girl who use to be behind the desk can now do anything and everything.  She is very capable.  The days of “home pregnant and bare foot” are over (i.e. pretty much anyway).  Those little girls behind the desk can interpret information as well as anyone.  It’s the new normal folks.  If you don’t believe me ask Hillary Clinton (i.e. the Des Moines Register called her a super star of the Democratic Party--The icon of the Democratic Party). Such is life.

The Queen! Our little Charlie likes grandpa to take her on “ queen rides”.  All girls like to be a queen or treated like a queen anyway.  Being treated like a queen can be different things for different folks.  I talked to a concrete contractor this week and asked him how in the world do you do estimates on those big jobs.  He said—Estimates are just that, estimates.  We do our best and have estimate programs that help us. We use our past experience and our knowledge (i.e. interpret the information).  Sometimes we look real professional and sometimes we look like real ass holes!  But we can’t screw up tooooo many times if we want to stay in business.  Soooo there are queens who are really queens and some who just think they are.  Such is life.

Hold your horses Mr. Roster!  I think you mis-interpreted the information.  A rooster was strutting around the henhouse one Easter morning and came across a nest of eggs dyed every color of the rainbow. The rooster took one look at the colorful display, ran outside and beat the heck out of the resident peacock.

Digesting the information! Happenstance, na, I don’t think sooooo folks!  Last Saturday I went to run some errands in the Metro and also went for a bike ride.  On the trail there was a guy doing some work on a “flood well”. That is what he called it.  I quizzed him—it’s a shutoff sooo flood waters can’t get back into the community behind the flood levee. His name was Eli (i.e. age 25).  He works for a cement company as a foreman.  Makes $25 an hour and works sometimes 80 hours a week.  He said—I treat my company well and they treat me well; I work hard and get it done.  He made $80,000 clear last year (i.e. has $60,000 in his 401K).  This guy really impressed me.  I told him he will do well in life. Soooo I go and have a pecan waffle and sit at the counter next to Will.  He just took a job with a large construction company in the metro.  He is 29 and is a project manager a.k.a. superintendent.  He just moved from TX to take this job.  This guy has his head screwed on right.  I was impressed!  I told him that he will do well.  Soooo I stop for some groceries.  Met an old student of maybe 40 years ago.  He introduced me to his friend.  They are both divorced.  She was married for 30 and then divorced.  She has been alone for 9 years.  She is cute, personable and charming.  I said—I bet you had a lot of guys hitting on you the last 9 years—I have been asked out but wasn’t interested—you must be very confident—I am; I'm very comfortable and happy; I didn’t want to rush into anything—soooo how did you guys meet—he said—I was going to a Bible study with her son (i.e. she has 5 children and 16 grand kids); he said I should ask his mom out; I waited another 2 years and decided to do it; if she said no, I would just get a dog!  As they say—The rest is history.  They both really impressed me.  We had a great time talking. Such is life.

Slap on some war paint neighbor and get through the day; you got to fight and not give in! A neighbor told me that one of their three dogs died.  His grandson begged that they replace it.  He thought 2 dogs were enough.  But, they got the third dog, a black lab.  His grandson said—Grandpa, I can get it free, it won’t cost you anything.  Grandpa says--Well, after $500 at the vet, that black beauty runs through the house like a big old race horse and shits like an elephant!  I think he had the information correct but…!  Such is life.

Misinformed! I must be missing something here folks!  I watched the men’s’ NCAA basketball tournament and also the finals of the gals.  I didn’t see one gal on either team who had a tattoo (i.e. haven’t seen any golfers of the Masters with tattoos either).  Soooo why do the guys and not the girls have those tattoos?  I think the real question is why do athletes have tattoos anyway.  But I suppose it’s NOMB.  It’s no skin off my nose. But, how do they afford those tattoos anyway.  Where does the money come from? I learned that it cost between $50 to $100 an hour.  Soooo a big elaborate design is going to set them back some coins. Soooo how do college athletes afford these decorations what with taking Peggy Sue to Pop’s Malt Shop after the pep rally and all their other expenses, I don’t know.  Again, it’s NOMB!  Just wondering, that’s all!

HillaryHillary--I'm like Hillary, I'm not quite done yet!

Important folks (i.e. that is you guys) have folks gather information for them.  Then they have to decide what is accurate and what isn't. It's called deciphering or discerning. Here is some information that you can try to decipher or discern.  I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it. Not religion, but "spirit" is important. Just because you are a particular religion does not mean that you are fulfilled in life. The divorce rate, illness rate, and even suicide rates are in many cases higher. For example, suicide is higher among those whom practice Christianity and Islam (both which strongly prohibit suicide) than those whom practice Hinduism and Buddhism. Many Christians live miserable lives…Poorer nations appear to be happier as long as they are not starving. Thus, "spirit", not circumstances is very important. With the right spirit, even prison can be a paradise. With the wrong spirit, you will be unsatisfied even in heaven. Soooo think through this information and decipher and discern what you think is true.  Huh, interesting!  I bet we all won’t agree on this.  What do you think? Such is life. 

Oops, mulligan! I facilitated our WHO (i.e. we help others) meeting at church last week.  I wore my Bobby Jones cap (i.e. I’m a big Bobby Jones fan). He started the Masters plus much other good stuff that I like about him (i.e. a class act folks). I asked the 10 other folks who were there if they knew who Bobby Jones was.  None of them did.  I told them they needed to get a life! Ha ha! It just goes to show that some information to some is important and to others, it isn’t. The “otherWarren”inOMaha says--A man had two of the best tickets for the Augusta Masters.  As he sits down, another man comes along and asks if anyone is sitting in the seat next to him.  "No," he says, "the seat is empty." "This is incredible!" said the man. "Who in their right mind would have a seat like this, the biggest golfing event in the whole world, and not use it?" He says, "Well, actually, the seat belongs to me. My wife was supposed to come with me, but she passed away. This is the first Masters we haven't been together since we married."  "Oh... I'm sorry to hear that. That's terrible. I guess you couldn't find someone else?... a friend or relative or even a neighbor to take the seat?" The man shakes his head. "No, they're all at the funeral."

The look on your face says it all! I take it all back what I said about you guys at the start of this “It’s Saturday”—that some of you look easy.  I think I'm mis-interpreting the information!  It's just that you look easy!  Really!  What more can I say?  That’s just the way you look. I realize that you are not easy but you just look that way.  Well, maybe!  There are always suckers out there but you aren’t one of them.  Well, maybe!  I know that I have been a sucker a time or two.  Sooo keep your head up and interpret the information correctly and make good decisions.  Don’t be a sucker, sucker!!! Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--The Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.

halo effect

George Bernard Shaw said--"If you are going to tell the truth, you better make them laugh; otherwise they'll kill you."  Soooo here we go; lets see if you laugh or if the fur flies!

Jim'screamofthe...joke! A customer asked, "In what aisle can I find the Polish sausage?" The clerk asks, "Are you Polish?"  The guy clearly offended, says, "Yes I am.  But let me ask you something.  If I had asked for Italian sausage, would you ask me if I was Italian?  Or if I had asked for German Bratwurst, would you ask me if I was German?  Or if I asked for a kosher hot dog would you ask me if I was Jewish? Or if I had asked for a Taco, would you ask if I was Mexican? Or if I asked for some Irish whiskey, would you ask if I was Irish? The clerk says, "No, I probably wouldn't". The guy says, "Well then, because I asked for Polish sausage, why did you ask me if I'm Polish?" The clerk replied, "Because you're in Ace Hardware."

Halo effect!  We usually ate Sunday breakfasts when in AZ at T.C. Eggington's.  I quizzed our waitress Haley a little the last time we were there.  Thom, the owner, personally hires and trains all employees.  The waitresses are all college girls and are from typical homes.  They all dress alike and all are rather small in stature. No visible tattoos.  They

are friendly, gracious, happy and just fun to be around.  He caters to upper-middle class clientele.  He does a very good job.  Halley is a focused, personable, and a sweetheart folks.  She will do well in life.  That is the halo effect that Thom has created and his business has really done well (i.e. the silver bullet).  He has committed to it. My opinion.

When coming back from AZ we stayed over night in Albuquerque.  I was riding down in the elevator in the morning with a gal maybe 30.  She was a tall, slim, attractive gal wearing a gray suit.  She was professionally, humble, confident, charming, personable and obviously talented (i.e. great combination maybe--her halo to me anyway).  She asked if I was on vacation or business. Found out that she was a Navajo and was an attorney for the Navajo Nation.  She works on oil and mineral , water and marijuana issues!  Interesting ha,--yes, very much soooo.  She really impressed me 'cause she was soooooo nice and soooooo real.  I liked her halo she gave.    

"Not every man can carry a full cup. Sudden elevation frequently leads to pride and a fall. The most exacting test of all to survive is prosperity" [Oswald Chambers].  I know some great folks who survive prosperity very well.  Maybe they have to work at it.  Some have very full cups.  They are great folks.  You know who you are.  Many many folks that get full cups, forget the little folks of the world (e.g. DuaneTheWorm).  My Daddy, Chester, would  say--erv, Everyone has problems, it's just that some handle them differently.  My Mom, Anna, would say--erv, You can tell who the good folks are by how they treat folks less than them. I must admit, my cup runnth over! Such is life.

Maybe you have seen the movie! Ben Rand is the fictional billionaire character in Peter Seller's final movie, "Being There." "Being There," is the remarkable story of Chance the gardener. Chance could neither read nor write and had no money, yet he ended up as a presidential nominee. Ben Rand was extremely wealthy and became Chance's friend through a seemingly random accident as Ben was dying (i.e. good movie to watch folks).  ANYWAY Although this is just a movie, these are...from Billionaire Ben Rand's quotes read at his funeral:  I have no use for those on welfare, no patience whatsoever, but if I am to be honest with myself, I must admit that they have no use for me either.  ~  Security. Tranquility. A Well Deserved Rest. All the aims I have pursued will soon be realized. Life...is a state of mind.  DuaneTheWorm wouldn't understand this at all.  His life is all about him.  He is one big bullshitter!  There is no other way of putting it folks.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out.

I question! I sometimes get up early, go for a run, sit and drink my coffee while doing my devotions while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it.  I think and ponder a lot of stuff.  A lot!  I question myself sometimes.  I question what's going on in the world. I question some of you guys some times.  I question a lot.  I question my big ego, my situation, my attitude, my drive, my abilities, my finite life on this earth, my usefulness, my selfishness, and God know what all else!  Sometimes I wonder if folks appreciate what I do for them (i.e. even though it's not always very much).  This thought is my problem (i.e. an earthly problem) but I have it at times.  erververv! Such is life.

I had the most crazy opportunity Thursday before we left AZ. I stopped after running up 'er in 'em mountains at McDonald's for a burrito and a senior coffee.  A homeless gal came in and I asked her if I could buy her breakfast.  She agreed but we had to eat outside 'cause she had a dog.  We had a conversation and I quizzed her hard.  She lives in a camp she calls it back in the field.  I asked her if she would like help to recommit to normal life.  She said she wanted toooo.  I said I could help her if she wanted.  She is 26, has a alcoholic gambling father and her mother is dead (i.e. so she said). I gave her some money to get some clothes at a thrift store, (i.e. maybe will buy booze or drugs with) and made plans to pick her up the next day for a shower.  Very interesting gal that I met by "happenstance", na, I don't think so.  Monday I made an appointment with a staff at Broadway Christian who works with these folks.  He thinks he can help her.  He has given me a lot of advice--one is to never be alone with her.  She has a BA and no criminal record, does not do drugs or alcohol and of course has a dog (i.e. she says).  I saw her camp where she lives--a tarp stretched between trees with a mattress under it.  Crazy huh!  She had lived there since February.  The church guy told me that they always don't tell the truth and many do not want to change.  Be very lyre of everything. And many are metal ill. But.....I'm still got her clean clothes and a shower and breakfast, maybe (i.e. we will see).  Even if I get used, soooooo be it.  I'm no virgin of being used by such folks. Is she a scofflaw? Crazy huh!!!! So Friday afternoon I get my friends Jim and Jan to go with me to rendezvous with her for a shower. She doesn't show up! So Jim and I go back into the field to where her camp is. Jan was not interested as she was fearful. We get to her camp and she is there but sleeping. We wake her up. She claims that the lady who was going to take care of her dog could not do it. I told her I had a bag of goodies in the car if she would like to come along and get it. So she came along and I introduced her to Jan. Jan has a medical background and thought that she looked like she was using drugs. I have no idea. But nothing would surprise me. I was reminded of what the expert at church told me – don't believe what they say (i.e. half of what they say is is not true and you other half is a lie!). I honestly believe that most of what she told me is the truth but that maybe she didn't tell me the whole story, maybe! I will never know! So Saturday morning I get my friends Evan and Lindie to go with me to

rendezvous with Sarah once again. I have purchased some toiletries and have it lined up so we can get her a shower and then take her out for breakfast after she puts her clean new clothes on. She doesn't show up! No surprise! So we wait a while and then the three of us go back into the field where her camp is underneath the trees. She is not there. So we have breakfast at McDonald's and then check out other places where she might be hanging out. Cannot find her. We go back to our rendezvous spot but she is not there. So we make one more attempt to walk back into the field to where her camp is to see if she is there. She is not there. Obviously she does not want help. No surprise! So when I get back home, I decide I'm going to form a search party and try to find her Monday morning. I was little perturbed about this. There is a program that can retool her life. I know folks who would really help her financially and support her  She doesn't want to change. She has missed a great opportunity.  What is wrong with her. Is she mentally ill? I was eating my lunch and reading the paper when I read that a pastor in Phoenix was killed helping a homeless person (i.e. mentally ill???). Sooo what will happen to Sarah do you think (i.e. it's tooo early to make a prediction)? What do we do with the mentally ill homeless folks? No one seems to have an answer. Ouchy ouchy!  Soooo folks, what kind of halo effect do you get from homeless folks?  

Amazing.   A friend said--erv, we can't be responsible for what people do with an opportunity...but must give them a chance..I wonder how people get to that point.  Another friend said--Thanks for the update.............and for your good intentions and efforts. Yabut folks I didn't accomplish anything.  Sarah's life is not any different because of me.  This is suppose to end differently.  What in the world! This gives me a toothache!  I did accomplish something--I got to spend more time with friends trying to do good.  These folks have good hearts.  Joesixpack says-Like the saying goes--You can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink. A friend told me that sometimes the fear of death is a life changer.  I really wonder if Sarah will change, do well and get back on her feet or die or get killed.  But I believe in miracles.  Sarah did say to me that God will get her through this tough time in her life (i.e. I don't know if that was an manipulative verbiage or is she was sincere).  Some folks for some reason do make changes, drastic changes.  Phyllis (i.e. anybody can be a Phyllis) says--All we can do is plant seeds....results could take years....It’s all in Gods hands...Such is life.

What in the world! Sooooo this bothered me soooo that Sunday Arlene and I went to tie the bag of toiletries on the gate near the path where Sarah's camp is.  I see her sitting under the tree by McDonald's.  I said we missed you yesterday.  She said she got a job with a landscape company--how did you do that--I got to know a guy by Dollar Tree; I worked yesterday and less than a hour today--how does that make you feel--very very good--how much did he pay you--$25 yesterday and $10 today--what did you do with the money--gave it to the apartment manager as I want to get an apartment in the future--who took care of your dog--my friend; she is sooo nice to me--is this guy ok--I think sooo; he took me home to his family of wife and 4 kids and let me take a shower and he hugged all his kids first--he said I can work all week--sooo who is your friend--the gal in the apartment is an angel to me, really an angel--we hear you have a boy friend--no no, I'm a lesbian (i.e. at least there won't be any homeless street babies) and I don't have a friend; tooo much of a hassle--tell us about your poem that is tattooed on your arm--go to poetry.com under Eager Allen Poe 2004 Best Poems and Poets I'm the first one; Drenched in Faith I think she said by Sarah Lomberg I think she said. Sold to Readers Digest and got enough money to buy her dad a house.  She was 14.--soooo what do you need right now--I would really like a pair of  shoes; the thrift store didn't have any in my size--what size 8.5 - 9 men's; any type of shoes are fine as mime are sooo thin that I feel every stone when I walk--I will get some tomorrow; what else--a carpenter's pouch for work and a utility knife--you got it.  Just then 3 teenage girls walk by and wave.  You know those girls--ya, they bring me food and water to my camp but like my dog better than me I think.  Soooo you want any help from the church--not know; I want to do it my myself if I can and only want to use them if I absolutely have toooo.  Wish you the best Sarah--have a good trip home and God bless you.  Sarah, you are going to make it.  You can and will.  She said--I know I can do it--I have a good friend who wasn't born with a gold spoon in his mouth and he succeed and has done very well.  He is a hero to me.  Sooo you can do the same.  You can--I will.

Hey big shots! Lindie says to me--Sarah could be us.  She could be our kid.  Ya, that is humbling.  I read in the paper soooo it must be right--We are really just one step away from those who are less fortunate; 1/3 of all Americans have no savings (i.e. that's 72M folks). I asked my hero why he made it and others don't.  He doesn't know.  I don't either.  But he made it.  He is much more of a success than some kid who was born with rich parents.  Sooooo cream puffs, don't give Sarah a "load of hell".  Maybe she can't help it.  Maybe she wasn't part of a family like yours who gave her many opportunities or inherited a truck load of $$$$.  Or maybe she doesn't have the same God given talents as you. But, I'm still mad that she passed up a golden opportunity.  I, with the help of others, could have changed her life. I just don't understand why she wouldn't jump at the chance.  Really Sarah! But everyone looks at a situation different I guess.  But...!

I shared this story with a very good and smart friend.  He emailed me back--Many times I've seen when you try to do something altruistic the recipient of the altruism isn't going to give you the satisfaction you are looking for (e.g., a thank you, etc.). But altruistic behavior isn't dependent on the outcome, it's the act that matters. Right?

I learned a lot from this experience.  Success with turning homeless folks around is not easy and the success rate is not very high.  Then you have the issue of mental illness and them being programed by the past (i.e. both genetically and environmentally).  I over heard some case workers talking about the excitement of one of their clients.  She had a criminal record (i.e. made some bad decisions) that they got expunged and got her going in the right direction (i.e. also her husband and children).  I heard them say that she got a job.  I also heard them say that she needs to lose some weight.  But I also heard them say--How well she keeps running is up to her!  Bingo.  Up to her like it's up to you and me how we keep runnin'!  LuckieEddie says--Decisions have consequences!  Guess who gets to make the decisions!  Bingo!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--If we did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves.

how does that make you feel

Disclaimer: This "It's Saturday" has no wasted words, no hyperbole, no flowery quotations from the Bible or Shakespeare, no false emotion, but just nothing but the nuanced flavor of erv.  Soooo take that into consideration when reading it.  If you are offended in any way, don't let it bother you.  Things could me much much worse.  Really folks!  And besides, I don't mean to offend you.  Cut me some slack.  Don't be soooo touchy!  Come on now!

My Opinion! Hey Big Guy, I really don't believe that there is anyone who does not believe in God. They might not outwardly worship God, they might not outwardly acknowledge God, they might not ever express it but I really think everyone has thoughts and believes in God.  Those that don't, act that way for a reason (i.e. they all have a reason I bet even if they don't know what it is).  Arealsmartguy sent me this--Another uplifting piece of info from the book I’m reading:  Insanity of Unbelief by Max Davis.  Christian converts vs atheist defectors. It is from the International Bulletin of Missionary Research – a poll compiled by them in 2011 (i.e. soooo it must be right). They tallied that there are an average of 80,000 new Christians added worldwide every 24 hours, but atheists lose about 300 every 24 hours. Their conclusion as to why this is happening is:  1. More and more evidence doesn’t support an atheists view  2. That eternal longing placed in our hearts for God by God  3.We’re all going to die and have to deal with it. I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--Rather than planning and evaluating, practice trusting and thanking Me continually.  This is a paradigm shift that will revolutionize your life.  I believe that (i.e. my opinion) but you might not--we all have our reasons.  I wish all of you the best.  

The"otherWarren"inOMaha says--A priest, a minister and a guru sat discussing the best positions for prayer, while a telephone repairman worked nearby. "Kneeling is definitely the best way to pray," the priest said. "No," said the minister. "I get the best results standing with my hands outstretched to Heaven." "You're both wrong," the guru said. "The most effective prayer position is lying down on the floor." The repairman could contain himself no longer. "Hey, fellas," he interrupted. "The best prayin' I ever did was when I was hangin' upside down from a telephone pole."

Are you a big person or little person?  DuaneTheWorm says--When ever a friend succeeds, a little something in me dies.  Ouchy ouchy!  WildWillie says--The other half of envy is feeling gratification in someone else's misfortune.  Ouchy ouchy! I'm always pretty hard on DuaneTheWorm but I'm going to give him some praise--One problem DuaneTheWorm doesn't have is occasionally being honest (i.e. many feel that way but hey, wouldn't dare to say it).  How do the DuaneTheWorms of life make you feel? SusieQ asks--How do the DuaneTheWorms get their head around their egos?  I have no idea SusieQ, you will have to ask them.

SpongyBelly!  I read in the paper, soooo it must be right, that ripped abs a.k.a. six-packs have little to do with fitness.  Physical fitness is the ability to perform tasks with ease, even those tasks that require more than the body's normal effort. "Sexy beast" is not a fitness criterion.  But SpongyBelly, I don't enjoy looking at your big belly!  Most of the snowbirds that go to the pool in the warm AZ sun, do not swim.  They are called "bobbers".  They buy those little floater things and just stand there and talk and bob.  And many of them have full physics (i.e. but they might be in great physical shape--Not)!  SusieQ asks--How in the world do some of those bobbers get their shoes tied or...?  SusieQ, you will just have to ask them, I have no idea. Maybe massive long arms! Such is life.

My Mom, Anna, would say to me--erv, personality is how you act when folks are around and character is how you act when folks aren't around.  She was right, there is a difference.  Our culture seems to like to impress folks (e.g. girls impress their peers, guys impress the girls with their body or their money etc).  Senior ladies try to impress the bridge ladies with their gossip and dress and guys with their cars and tools etc.  You know what I mean. Many folks seem to be always impressing others. Not all though; there are some real folks (i.e.with good hearts).  Joesixpack says--If it stinks a little on the surface, usually it stinks a whole lot more when you get to the bottom of it.  Soooo true Joesixpack, soooo true.  I was around a guy this winter and sorta kinda wondered about him 'cause of some of his little actions.  Then one day I found out about his character when those little actions were magnified to one big action.  He totally exposed his real self.  Bingo.  Another person I thought was rather strange and as I got to know this person, they were strange (i.e. my opinion).  AverageJoe says--Come one erv, we are all a little strange; you could be talking about all of us, including you.  Could be! Have you ever experienced that in folks?  Do we ever hide our weaknesses and our strengths and our different personalities?  I really like real folks.  I have said that many times.  Phonies and fakers just don't much interest me.  And folks, there are some DuaneTheWorms around (i.e. some real cowboys--real chowder-heads).  Oh ha!

Maybe she needs to check her sense of smell (i.e. my opinion)!  One of our favorite breakfast waitress in AZ was 58, attractive, nice and divorced 3 times.  I asked her how come?  She said--They were all jerks!  I think she needs to redo her pre-flight check list folks.  If it stinks a little on the surface, it will really stink when you get to the bottom of it (i.e. ya can't hide your dirty underwear for ever). ItchieBitchie says--A woman marries a man with the belief that she can change him, and she can't.  A man marries a woman with the belief that she won't change, and she does. Hey folks, we all can get fooled once in a while.  Oh ya.  His name is Art and he's a sculpture, a very lifelike sculpture that have duped several.  Legend has it Michael Jordan walked into the Bucks practice facility, said hello to Art, was ignored and complained to Bucks' management that the security guard didn't acknowledge him.  Such is life.

Parents/kids!  What do you think of your parents?  What do you think of your kids?  I wished soooooo many times that my parents, Chester and Anna, could have experienced my adult life with me. Got to know Arlene, their grandchildren, and their great grandchildren.  They would  have sooooo much enjoyed it and I would have sooooo much enjoyed having them around.  Not to be.  Died toooo young.  Never got to experience it. Soooo how do your children, grandchildren, and parents make you feel?  You ever wonder how they feel about you? GeorgeTheCrook says--My kids don't give a rat's patoot out us!  Really!  Why I wonder. And some of you get verklempt when you think of your parents. Are you appreciative of all the effort your parents put in for you (i.e. it takes a lot of effort to be parents and even more to be exceptional)?  I wonder if they would appreciate you telling them that.  I read Grey Mountain by John Gresham (i.e. fiction folks).  One of the character talks about her parents (i.e. divorced) that really didn't spend much time with her when she was young but were more concerned about their careers and money but gave her everything growing up.  Now as a young adult, they try to give her advice and she thinks they really only think about themselves (i.e. parents seem to have clawed fingers sometimes) .  The relationship is strained to say the lest (i.e. fiction).  I sorta kinda get a kick out of some of her statements.  Like--Her father was a lapsed Catholic, her mother an indifferent Protestant, and Samantha had not been raised in any faith. I read this while waiting for Arlene having her hair done by Judy (i.e. she is such a nice lady).  I was having a beer next door at What the Hell Bar and Grill. It just made me laugh. Such is life. LuceyGoosie says--Everyone likes their parents when they leave them a big inheritance or at least they like the inheritance! Such is life.

"A chip off the old block" or "where did that come from"? Joshua says--But as for me and my household, we will serve...!  Ya, Joshua, you can say that when your kids are under your control but when they leave your control (i.e. out on their own), they will do what they want and you have no control over them (i.e. parenting is sometimes sorta kinda like herding squirrels).  How does that make you feel when they accept some of your training?  How does it feel when they rebel against your training and teaching?  There has to to some super happy parents when they look at their adult kids and also some super disappointed parents when they look at their adult kids (i.e. and they tried sooooo hard).  Joshua, maybe it is better to says--But as for me, I will serve...and I have no idea what my kids will serve.  Yes, we are in CO on our way home to Ia.  Heather is

our daughter and their family.  Three generations of chips off the old block (i.e. Mature/Silents, Generations X, and Z/Boomlets) .  Maybe some good chips and some bad chips!  And some chips, only God knows where they came from! Saturday question--Do you want to be like your parents?  Do you want your kids to be like you?  Think about that a little.  Such is life.

I must admit I have had a blast with the grand kids.  I got to walk Erin to the bus stop along with little Jimmer.  And then little Jimmer and I hand in hand walked up the street to Cara, his day care provider.  He hugged me and said--I love your grandpa.  It doesn't get any better than this.  Man I like that. All the money in the world can't buy that.  As I was getting them ready, Erin was helping Jimmer.  She used the same words that her parents use (i.e. a chip off the old block maybe).  That's just the way it is folks.

Walking his bird!  He didn't give me the bird but was walking the bird.  Soooo I go and talk to him.  I have never ever seen anyone walking a bird.  He just laughed.  It's easier than walking your dog; you don't have to pick up the poop!  Soooo what's the story about your bird anyway--my name is Kimo meaning James in Hawaii, I'm from Maui and the bird's name is Mango which is a Conjure--how long have you have had your bird--Mango is 25 years old and we got it when it was 2--I bought it for my daughter to teach her responsibility; I have taken care of the bird most of the time--I guess that teaching her responsibility didn't work like I thought; us Baby Bommers really taught our Y/Millenniums well now didn't we!

Mature/Silents generation (i.e. 1927-1945 a.k.a. dinosaurs).  We stopped in Payson, AZ at McDonald's for breakfast when heading out of Dodge.  Waited in line with an old insurance client who I haven't seen for some years.  They asked us to have breakfast with them.  He introduced his friend.  He got divorced about 5 years ago and has a livein (i.e. age about 73).  Soooo how long have you be shacking up--about 5 years--how did you meet--4-wheeling in the AZ desert/mountains--we aren't married 'cause she will lose her husband's pension and also change her SS benefits (i.e. it's all about the money folks)--but we gave each other commitment rings--what does that mean--like we are engaged I guess. The old west is becoming the new west folks!  Old time abnormal is now new time normal in now time.  LuckieEddie says--It makes the snot dry up in my nose! But what those dinosaurs do is NOYDB (i.e. noneofyourdarnbusiness) erv, you just need to take care of yourself.  Now if she becomes pregnant that would be crazy (i.e. look what happened to Abraham and Sarah)! But at that age they should be old enough to prevent it! Yabut, a warm summer evening sitting on the porch drinking a six pack of Bud Light and...bingo! LiveinRita says--Hey, 70% of Americans are cohabiting before marriage (i.e. sooooo it must be alright) and did you know that your chance of divorce is greater if you cohabit before marriage? Hey, it's 2015 erv, get use to it! Such is life.

Caring!  SusieQ says--Joesixpack appears to be devoid of compassion.  He hurts folks (i.e. puts vinegar into their punch).  He hurts folks sooooo bad and they leave with his heartlessness with them.  Boooo Joesixpack! That is how he makes folks feel.  Ouchy ouchy!  I received an email from an old friend recently (i.e. not that she is old but we haven't been around each other for some time).  It was unexpected and simple--How are you and Arlene doing.  It was great to hear from her and know she is concerned and cares. Encouragement is such a great thing (i.e. my opinion).  It's a gift I think.  And a gift that you don't expect is much more fun than a gift that is expected (i.e. my opinion).  My suggestion--Give someone a gift.  It doesn't have to be a costly gift, maybe a little gift of encouragement (e.g. email, text, phone call).  Or it could be a $1,000!  ItchieBitchie says--If you are a multi-millionaire, what's a $1,000.  Saturday question--What is the most money you every gave someone (i.e. no strings attached--no tax deduction)?  Really? Really! I know our largest figure we gave to a person other than a family member. How did that make us feel?  A couple of missionaries who we know said in their email--Sometimes the smallest gift can make a huge impact.  It can be a way to show someone that they are cared for and that they are special.  A small gift can help to relay the love of God.  Saturday question--How does it make you feel when someone cares about you?

Motivation!  It appears that some folks can motivate better than others.  The top coaches seem like they can do that.  Somehow and someway!  Top parents, employers, band leaders, CEOs, teachers, preachers, mentors, friends, etc all have that same quality of  "being a good motivator".  They might have different styles but they seem to get it done.  Just look around folks! Ya, in the NCAA tournament, talent helps but if you can't motivate your team, you loose.  Some appear to be low key but under the water, their feet are churning folks (i.e. day and night). Underneath their schlubby sweatsuit they get more out of their rosters than most.  Don't kid yourself.  They have a ferocious attitude, psyche-shattering harassing competitive attitude, confidence building qualities, and they know how to win.  Some seem to have it more than others.  Good motivators know when to act and when not to act.  They seem to see the big picture.  They don't over react at the wrong time.  It's calculated!  And they have a knack in not letting folks get the big head (i.e. a huge massive nemesis--a huge massive enigma for many). Bingo!

I hope you enjoy Easter no matter how you celebrate it.  By going to church and celebrating Jesus' Resurrection or eating ham dinner with the family, or hunting jelly beans with grand kids, or dying eggs with the children.  Just enjoy your day and your life.  Just don't get "egged on" my friends.  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--A friend is one you can do, "nothing with," and enjoy it.