are you kidding me

I told the folks at our caregiver support group this last week that they should try to do something different every day and also try to learn something new every day.  It's just good for a person (i.e. my opinion). Wednesday was a cold, windy, rainy day.  We went out to eat, walked in a mall and then bought some groceries (i.e. innovative and creative--good for my mettle).  The mall has lost maybe half of the stores (i.e. not good).  ANYWAY we walked past a store several times that had this in the window.  That is what I learned new that day!  I didn't know that--I'm not kidding folks. Such is life.

Kids want ponies for Christmas. Now folks, that's not realist is it? Voters want all their give-mes continued and even more but don't want to pay more taxes.  Is that realistic?  Some even want everyone to treated the same like big unions where everyone gets all the same pay no matter how hard they work or how good they are.  Is that realistic?  LuckieEddie says--Are you kidding me!

Do you still think and act like a kid?  Hopefully a third grader thinks different than a 25 year old. Do we change our thinking as we age?  How about when you become parents?  How about when you have to pay our own way?  When we have pay our own bills?  When we have to pay taxes? How about when we have to compete in the workforce?  GeorgeTheCrook says--Are you kidding me, I never did change, I'm still a kid and am still protesting and think I'm being treated unfairly; I rant and use buzzwords like hurtful and hateful and use dukes like racist, fascist, bigot and hater; sometimes I use the word victim; that gets the troops fired up and usually gets on TV. I tell you what GeorgeTheCrook, after about soooo much of that calling wolf, maybe many grown folks don't pay much attention to ya; it becomes a joke (i.e. a turnoff).

I asked our neighbor to play in our foursome last Saturday.  He's in his late 20s and a good golfer (i.e. I could be his granddad). In fact he was the medalist on the his hs state golf champion team. He told me that he put many many hours in practicing. When he got in the real world, he didn't practise and didn't play as much and his game went south just a little.  He become frustrated to the point that some of his buddies didn't want to play with him any more.  He had to decided either he had to quite or just accept his golf game as is and enjoy life. He decided on that second choice. He has had lot more fun and actually his game has improved. Huh, interesting.

Some of us guys meet at 6:30 Tuesday mornings.  We discussed recently the different seasons of our lives. When we are 20, we think differently than when we are 30...40...60...70. At least we should. Age and events in our lives change how we think (i.e. at least it should).  I read in the Book--When I became a man I put away childish things.  I said to Chet as he was picking up Rookie's and Charlie's toys off the family room floor--When I become a man I put away childish things!

I went to the golf course the other afternoon to hit my new sand wedge. There was only one other guy on the course (i.e. an acquaintance who is maybe 30).  We talked about our golf games (i.e. pretty generic).  I asked him what he was doing now--I got a new job and have had it for a year and a half; I really like it; erv, I'm a different person--what do you mean--I"m just different; I quite drinking except for a beer with my buddies once and a while and quite smoking--why did you do this--I just changed my life; I'm a much better husband and father; my life is just way better--you seem to very happy--I don't think I have ever been happier erv--soooo you just decided to change your life, right?--that's pretty much right--soooo maybe you are just maturing--could be!

A 17 Trillion dollar debt.is a serious problem folks (i.e. that's about $43,000 for every person).  I'm not kidding.  BUT it doesn't seem to be a big issue to a lot of politicians.  Soooo what will happen? Does history repeat itself? At what point do we grow up? GeorgeTheCrook says--It seems like we are acting like kids! LuckieEddie says--And many folks what more and more! And many politicians want to give them more and more. Such is life.

I read in the paper sooooo it must be right that hackers claim they can now get into the i-phones and retrieve all the information ever put there.  Wow!  MissPerfect says--Are you kidding me; I don't want anyone to know what I have in my phone!  Okay folks, I'm looking for some serious venture capital (i.e. I mean some big $$$$$).  I have the idea but I need your money.  We will make a killing (i.e. have you heard that before). I want to develop a app for smart phones that can be opened and pointed at a person which will tell us every thought that person ever had.  The app will categorize their thoughts in different categories such as good thoughts, bad thoughts, financial thoughts, anger thoughts, happy thoughts, sexual thoughts, spiritual thoughts, etc.  Also we will have a drop down window where you can click on to put all those thoughts in a chronological order by year, month, day etc.  Also you can click on a button that will tell you exactly what that person is thinking right now. AverageJoe says--ThoughlessBertha won't have much to retrieve; she has very few thoughts!

Do you folks pray?  What do you pray about? When do you pray? How often to you pray? The Heidelberg Catechism says that the very beginning of our prayer is this basic attitude: “a childlike reverence and trust,” the very sort of the thing that allows us “to expect everything needed for body and soul from God’s almighty power” (A. 120-21). SusieQ says--That sounds pretty naive and childish; I'm not a kid anymore! I don't know for sure SusieQ as I'm just a little old farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN but I think that means we are to be humble. Some of you might think that pray is just hogwash.  I read in the Book that if you pray for wisdom "heavenly wisdom and not earthly wisdom" and you will receive it.  I believe that; I really believe that is not hogwash. Why wouldn't any one try that, I have no idea. KnowEverythngSally says--"Whatever" is on the line! CrazyMarvn says--Pray is like putting jelly in the donut--and the crowd goes wild!

Are you kidding me.  I had breakfast with friends before we left AZ,  He told me that his wife's butt quivers when she gets nervous. Are you kidding me!  I will never look at her the same!  Maybe I will wear sunglasses or take a quick peak once in a while.

LittleJimmie says--Holly mackerel I didn't realize how good I had it as a kid until I got on my own. It knocked my conception of the good life all to smithereens! LuckieEddie says--Ya it's a different world when you are responsible for your actions and your decisions.

AverageJoe says this about his wife BeautifulFlow--She looks better than she really is folks!  It takes her a long time to get spruced up.  Ya aught to see her in the morning.  She looks way different (i.e. and I'm not kidding folks).  When she was 22 she was a real knock out.  She still is but things just age and sag and get bigger and change color and, well, you get it.  She ain't 18 anymore you know! But I'm not either sooooo...! Things change folks and I'm not kidding.  Such is life.

Are you kidding me!  I helped OldBill the other day.  He said to me--You know how to run this darn machine?  Sure!  Should I show you how?  No, just fill my glass with Coke young fella!  Soooo I did. What a hoot!

Many years ago an insurance adjuster said to me--When you are a kid and not liberal, you have no heart; when you get older, if you aren't conservative, you have no brain.  That is what he said folks.  Soooo do you agree with him? ItchieBitche says--It appears that some folks don't really ever grow up; they act like kids for a long time; some never grow out of being a kid.  Is that good or bad?

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--Humbling ourselves to listen to advice is itself an act of wisdom. Turning to others for their counsel can seem humbling, especially when we already believe we are right. But if our goal is to make the right decisions, the humility to consult with others is an asset. "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise"... "Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge". Bingo! OneSmartGuy says--I'm not kidding!

WorldClassLarry says--We are a society that has great knowledge, but our comparable scale of productivity from that knowledge is extremely weighted to the knowledge side. Peter (i.e. anybody can be a Peter) tells us there is a solution to this dilemma. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge. Does that make any sense to ya?

Saturday questions--Have you ever followed down a path before you knew where it was going? Have you ever put all your eggs in one basket ant then tripped and broke them all? Katie bare the door! Well ta-da!

FranchisePlayerHenry says--You should always stay in the learning mode. "The person you are today should be better than the person you were yesterday." I believe that. Do you? I'm a Ben Hogan fan. Ben was really the first pro-golfer who really practiced.  He said--You don't just hit balls to hit balls, you hit balls like every hit needs to be perfect. When I practiced, I practiced to get it right. Otherwise, you don't get better. He also said--When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Hogan would answer, As a gentleman.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.

i'ts not fair folks

OilLeakerKatie asks--Have you ever bet on the wrong pony? Got this email from a friend (i.e. life isn't fair folks)--erv watching the Masters last week I realize you are a lot like a pro. I have seen you putt like Ernie and play #4 at Aplington like Jordan played the par 3 at Augusta. What can I say--I hate that when folks are honest about me--and he's my friend; I wonder what folks who don't like me say about me!  Such is life.

BonusBabyFred says—erv, I think you are just shoveling fog into my head.  I don’t understand some of the stuff you write about.  That could be BonusBabyFred. That could be.  That is ok.  I read recently while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it—The most influential person of all time (i.e. according to goggle) talked in parables (i.e. earthly stories with heavenly meaning my Mom, Anna, called them) and most of the folks didn't/don’t quite understand what He was trying to say (i.e. make folks ponder).  I read in the paper soooo it must be right that a lot of folks think that Hilary and Donald lie a lot (i.e one more than the other).  Sooooo BonusBabyFred, do you understand Hillary and Donald? Do you trust them?  SusieQ says—Let the biggest liar win! Bingo! MissPerfect says--Personality is what people perceive you are and character is what you are. Some folks are like a sandwich sign--saying one thing on one side and another on the other side. Such is life.

All winter I played pb 3 times a week with a group of folks who are my ability. We do a round robin. Occasionally we have to sit out a turn. During one of our last pb days, I asked a guy if he was excited about going home--I am; I miss my friends, grand kids, and just home--he didn't say anything for a while and then said--there is a lot more to life than pb--I miss being useful! He also told me that he eats a lot but never gains any weight (i.e. that ain't fair some of you might say).  He said his significant other just looks at food and gains weight. She doesn't think that's fair. BellyFatAmy says--It ain't!

I have noticed since we have been back from the winter, that some folks have visibly aged. There might be different reasons why some age more than others.  Yes there might be. I also noticed that some folks have lost some weight, congratulations. And I have also noticed that some folks will have to trade up a few sizes with their speedos and bikinis (i.e. plus-sizes)!  Ouchy ouchy!  They maybe spent toooo much time this winter sitting on the couch eating chips. I read in the paper soooo it must be right that they are thinking about putting on food labels how much exercise it takes to burn up the calories in an eating portion (e.g. small bag of chips about an hour and 15 minutes of walking). It appears to me that us folks way over eat (i.e. take in way toooo many calories). Way over! MissPerfect says--It ain't fair; I love to eat!

The early American blacks were slaves (i.e. chattel property).  Was that fair? Their only hope was life after death.  Charles Barkley was quoted in the paper (i.e. sooooo it must be right)--"All politics is rich people screwing poor people. Poor people are too stupid to know they're just chess pieces in a game.  All the poor white people, all the poor black people, all the poor Hispanic, they're in the same boat.  They got no economic opportunities."  ItchieBitchie says--When we think, "Me Tarzan, king of the jungle", our perception can change about a lot of things. GeorgeTheCrook says--It's all about the money.  My mentor would say--erv, it's the golden rule, who has the gold rules! Why is it when some person makes a few baskets or takes her cloths off in some movie (i.e. made some money or got a position) that they are now "the knower of everything?" They didn't know "siccem from scant" before but now they are an authority.  I never did understand that. It doesn't seem fair!

But SirCharles has a point. Heather suggested I buy Oikos, triple zero yogurt as it is the best for me. Sure, it's the most expensive.  It has the least amount of saturated fat, sugar and carbohydrates yet very high in protein.  The cheaper brands are much higher in those bad nutritional categories.  Soooo, the poor will buy the cheaper and the folks with money will probably buy the better quality food (i.e. better for your health--like Whole Foods or Wal-Mart).  Huh, interesting.  One more thing, the cheaper, poorer quality foods (e.g. fruit pies and chips) are on sale sometimes (i.e. a leader) but the good quality food hardly ever are.  It's called merchandising.  Is it fair?

ItchieBitchie asks--Have you ever had bad breaks?  WildWillie says--Come on ItchieBitchie, that's a crazy question. Ok, if there was a bad break contest, could you compete? How about winning it? An old hs friend form Danube high (i.e. class of 63) says--To live life well (1) free your heart from hatred, (2) free your mind from worries, (3) live simple, (4) give more, (5) demand less. And life probably still won't be fair!!!!

The wires must all of a suddenly connected for a short time. Arlene and I stopped for gas and to pee recently. We go into the store together as it gives her security. When we were coming out and walking to the car (i.e. Arlene usually wants to hold my hand but if she doesn't, usually walks about 6 feet behind me--quite normal for some folks with Alzheimer's). ANYWAY she is walking about 6 feet behind me and all of a sudden walks fast past me and says--gotcha, smiles, laughs and body bumps me! WHAT! It was like Arlene when she was normal. It made me smile for a long time! Oh I miss Arlene being normal. Then I had a flash in my mind--It ain't fair for her to be this way!  Then I thought--We aren't more special in any way than anyone else.  We don't deserve to be treated better.  We are just folks living in this world. I read somewhere--It rains on the just and the unjust.  Or as an office support staff told me once--Ervin (i.e. she always called me Ervin) when I was sorta kinda complaining about something that wasn't going my way--ervin, shit happens. BigHaggai says--There is a 00.00% chance that life is fair. Hey, the only thing that's fair is the Butler County Fair and that's in June. Joesixpack says--Life can be a regular frost boil at times.  Such is life

I realize you guys are very smart (i.e. except maybe for a couple of you. ha ha!).  Sooooo do you believe that stuff that happens to you is Providence, horse-shit luck, or because of your choices? Some of you believe in predestination and some in double-predestination and others have never even thought about why things happen to you; they just happen (i.e. it's just life). CrazyMarvin says--Most of the stuff that happens to me is crazy; my friends make bad decisions and I happen to follow them. Ouchy ouchy! MissPerfect says--Much of my life just happens; just falls in my lap!  Soooo many good things happen to me and I don't know why; they just happen. Saturday question--Does any of this have to do with attitude?

 I recently read what Susian Hetrick wrote--When trials come (i.e. it's not if but when), we must see them for what they are--universal. Soooo folks, if she is correct, then don't be surprised when crap happens.  CadillacJack asks--Sooo when good things happen, are they universal as well? Sooo, are good and bad just happenstance? FlameThrowerSherry says--I dunno!

This is from a friend who manges a very nice truck stop complex (i.e. shared with his permission). erv this is a incident which happened this week at the the Mill. I remember you stating things are not always as they seem.  A young gal about 20 was putting air in here tire when a truck driver taps here on the shoulder and says would you like some ice cream, come over to the back of my truck. At that point she jumps in her car and leaves quickly without calling 911. The next morning she calls her dad and he calls the police. They call out to the store to check the video cameras but I'm in Des Moines for a meeting. The next day the sheriff department comes in and using my cameras without giving me much detail . They want to track down a customer who used his credit card at the diesel island at 6:48pm. I find the receipt and he explains the situation to me all excited thinking he could track this guy. After he starts telling me about the guy and the ice cream I give him the bad news that the man did nothing wrong. I said I have about 10 gallons of ice cream in the freezer from the same man fromTuesday. It was rejected from his last stop because the containers were damaged. Could you imagine having the police interviewing you for trying to lure someone into your truck when your just trying to be nice. Its sad but we all expect the worse from people.

We as a society are always leery of folks, even when they try to be nice.  I have had some experiences when I have tried to help folks and it seemed to back fire.  It makes me not near as excited about helping folks or being kind to folks.  I really watch my backside much more now.  This gender thing is really a big thing.  It's sooooo easy to get yourself in a mess.  Guys have really changed their thinking and positions on issues. AverageJoe says--It's toooo easy to get in trouble by some wacko! LuckyEddie says--I think I might buy a body cam with a microphone on it and run it 24/7 for protection! That or don't get involved in any one's life.  What is this world coming tooooooo? BUT sometimes the risk is worth it. I was running the other morning and met a friend walking their dog who's husband (i.e. a friend) also has dementia. I stopped and we talked for some time. One statement that she said--It seems like it's not fair. ANYWAY when we got done talking we hugged each other, right on the street   Maybe there was some lady looking out her window thinking we are having an affair and will spread it at the coffee shop, beauty shop or at ladies aid just ASAP.  Could be. Such is life.

It ain't fair! Legend has it that nineteenth-century Scottish poet Robert Burns once turned up a mouse’s nest while plowing a field. As an apology he wrote a poem, “To a Mouse, on Turning Her Up in Her Nest with the Plough.” From the poem (in modern English) come some well-known words: “The best laid schemes of mice and men go often askew, and leave us nothing but grief and pain, for promised joy!”

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Of all your troubles great and small, the greatest of them don't happen at all.

P.S. By the way, if you have a something that is bothering you, my big sister Myrt (i.e. only big in age) suggests you try Solvitur Ambulando. It could be an "ah moment!" Could be.

encouragement

If you can do it, I can do it too!  Is there a song like that?  Seems to me there is but I can't find it. Maybe I just think there is.  ANYWAY that statement is very real. I sometimes vacillate if I'm going to do something or not. Then I see someone else doing it and I say--If they can do it, I can do it tooooo.  Sooooo the other person is a great encouragement to me. Maybe, just maybe, we do somethings that encourages others and we don't even know it.  Big on the maybe! We will never know many times now will we. Such is life!

My late neighbor George told me that discouragement is Satin's best tool. George was a good man with a good heart.  We became good friends.  Life was not always easy for him.  He could have of become discouraged but he never seemed to get that way (i.e. at least I never saw it).  He had a strong faith in God.  Maybe that was his Rock!

A friend who I made "down in the Valley of the Sun" told me her greatest talent is being a encourager.  She sends cards (i.e. boughten and home-made) to folks.  I think that cards are great encouragement to many folks. MyFriend, that is a great talent you have. I encourage you to never never quite doing it--NEVER! Saturday question--What talent do you have to encourage others?  Are you using that talent or just sitting on the couch and eating chips and thinking about yourself?

SaraInTheBook Moon Glow says--It's amazing how much a call from a friend lifts my spirits.

When in CO, I hiked/ran on Mt. Falcon (i.e. my favorite place to hike/run--just south of the Red Rocks).  I passed a couple and I said--You guys have some valuable loads--ya we do--that is soooo good seeing you guys up here in these mts with your kids; my hat goes off to you. It beats sitting on the couch eating chips--it sure does. I hope I was an encouragement to them. I asked them if I could take their pic--yep!

ItchieBitchie says--I encourage you to throw those chips away and get your butt off the couch.  I read in the paper sooo it must be right--An exercise physiologist says--"For individuals who are currently inactive, it doesn't take much of an increase in physical activity to achieve an improvement in mood!"  Sooooo there you go folks.  Saturday question--Which hiking guy looks the worst?  I think JoeTheHike!  Is there really a question?

There are some folks that are just sooooo nice (i.e. encourage others). A new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology courses.  She started her class by saying, 'Everyone who thinks they're stupid, stand up!' After a few seconds, Little Larry stood up. The teacher said, 'Do you think you're stupid, Larry?  'No, ma'am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself!!

MissPerfect says--Did you know that if the person sitting next to you on an airplane orders food, you are 30% more likely to order food? Soooo if you are trying to control your weight, don't sit next to someone eating food!!! I guess that is why many experts suggest that you have support groups for exercising (i.e. exercise together). Folks encourage each other and also make each other accountable. My Daddy, Chester, would say to me--erv, the best discipline is self discipline! It appears some have more of that than others. Why is that do you think? I have an acquittance who says he is going to exercise and lose weight. I have heard him say that for 40 years.  He never does.  He has no self-discipline.  None! He looks like this mannequin!

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--DoctorDave says this sooooo it must be right--To encourage means to in-courage, that is, to instill fresh courage into someone who is faltering. BigLugPete says--That is an encouragement! 

A gal (i.e. a real person with a good heart--my kind of person) who I had the opportunity to work with said this to me--"It is not often an opportunity is presented when a person can express their appreciation and admiration of another." StupendousLola says--If you know of someone who you should express appreciation and admiration, do it now and do it in person if you can, but just do it.  Do it now instead of putting $5 in their death card (i.e. my opinion).  Could be a great encouragement. What do you think?

"The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best." -Epictetus  It is too bad that not everyone can have good friends, good mentors, good folks to hang around with, good family, good examples to pattern their lives after etc.  It is really too bad.  You guys are the best (i.e. have some type of motors)!  Thanks for being my friends etc. What more can I say.  BUT a couple of you are sorta kinda shaky! ha ha! ItchieBitchie says--Hanging out with bad examples is contagion.  Soooo watch out.  Watch out who your kids are around.  Are you preaching ItchieBitchie?  If soooo, it's a great sermon!,

Here is some encouragement for those of you that didn't have big weddings.  I read this in the paper sooooo it mus be right--The average cost of a wedding is $32,641. A big-ticket wedding doesn't ensure happy-ever-after ending. Once a wedding passes the $20,000 mark, marriages are 3.5 times more likely to end in divorce.  Emory University economics professors, also found that the more couples spend on their wedding, the shorter their marriage will be.  The larger the rock, the rockier the marriage.  Huh, interesting.

Got to do a little hiking up 'er in 'em AZ mts with a couple of college friends from good old Northwestern College.  Evan and Rocky are real guys with good hearts--my kind of folks. Rocky and I played basketball together at college. I almost quite college basketball.  I was discouraged. Rocky gave me this poem.  I didn't quite and I still read it occasionally.  

DON'T QUIT!
============

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but do not quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,

Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,

And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

~Edgar A. Guest~

I was encouraged by a strange event (i.e. no person or anything like that) but by an action of another person (i.e. actually a sad action of another person--but it humbled me and I reorganized my thinking--very encouraging to me--reassuring--crazy huh!). This encouragement lifted me up and wanted me to do more (i.e. gave me confidence...made me feel successful).  SusieQ says--A corollary provides a lack of a good feeling of yourself which makes a person feel inconvenient...unsuccessful...discouraged...makes a person what to give up.  It makes a person think that their life is a wonky life. TerrificTom says--Don't puff yourself up (i.e. don't be like DuaneTheWorm who only thinks about himself) but encourage others. DuaneTheWorm says--Yabut that isn't American.  Such is life

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Buck up--don't be in the dumps!

her story

I was sitting in the back of the room helping a student with math when the teacher, Julie, told something to her class about her falling either hiking or biking or something. I just heard bits and pieces of it. I was curious and later asked her if she would share her story with me. We all have stories but many times we don't have the opportunity to share them for many reasons. After reading her story, I though it was a perfect time for her to share her story on my blog. It just seems like a great fit. Sooooo here is her story (i.e. used with her permission).

ItchieBitchie says--Stories are really powerful things, and it’s in our hands whether we use them for good! Maybe they are opportunities. Maybe!

Hi Erv:  

I would love to share my story about my mountain biking accident.  It was 15 years ago.  On a typical morning, my husband, Brian and I would head out for a hike or a bike ride in Usery Park. Our home borders the park, which makes it very convenient for daily work outs.  That morning I decided to go by myself.  About a half an hour into the ride, I found myself sitting on the ground and looking about 25 feet down into a giant wash and saw my bike, helmet and riding gloves laying at the bottom.  I was stunned, bleeding and had no idea how I had gotten there.  I found my cell phone and called my husband.  I said "come and get me".  He said "where are ;you?" I said "I don't know, but they are coming to get me."  Needless to say, Brian, panicked.  He had an idea where I was, so he got on his bike and headed for the desert.  After riding for about 20 minutes and not finding me, he called my phone back. By that time, the people that I had seen hiking toward me, answered my phone.  This helped him to relax a little, realizing that they were helping me. My initial phone call gave him reason to think I was being attacked, since my speech was slurred, due to my injuries, and I was very confused after being knocked out.  They had called 911 and a helicopter was on its way. The fire fighters had hiked in and were with me, by then. The hikers directed Brian to where I had fallen.  When he finally arrived, I said " does it look awful?"  He said, "You've looked better."  I have no memory of the accident, accept for the recovery, that followed. 

I had broken my jaw in two places, knocked out eight of my front teeth, broken my nose, had over 100 stitches in my upper lip and nearly bitten off the tip of my tongue.  As my three young children watched from our house, I was air evac'ed to the hospital, where an amazing surgeon put me back together.   My husband and I were both teachers, and had  just begun our summer vacation.  My jaws were wired and I had flippers for teeth, but that didn't stop us from enjoying our annual trip to Michigan.  My children  enjoyed taking care of me.  My son, Wyatt, who was 8 years old at the time, thought it was cool to feed me through a syringe.  

It took about two years to complete all of the dental implants and a minor plastic surgery, but I made a full recovery.  This experience helped me to be patient and to trust that all of life's  twists and turns can teach us something. I definitely learned to be more empathetic with people suffering a trauma in their lives.  I have not continued to mountain bike, but I do enjoy a ride around Mackinac Island every summer, when we visit. 

Thank you for asking about my experience.  It's funny to talk about it, so long after it happened.  We have had a lot happen in our lives, since then.  My children have all graduated and headed off into their adult lives.  My son, Wyatt chose to join the Army in 2012, at the age of 19.  Unfortunately, he was killed by an IED in Afghanistan 15 months ago. My bike accident seems kind of small, compared to the adjustments we have had to face this past year.  I know now that all the events in our lives, no matter how big or small, create a  foundation for coping to help us navigate through the rest of our lives.  Brian and I have been very fortunate to have a strong marriage and faith.  Along with our two amazing daughters and a big extended family we share memories and continue to see the good around us.  Wyatt was doing what he wanted to do, so we continue to be very proud of him.  He was planning to attend Michigan State University on the G.I. Bill after his service.  So my students help me to continue that legacy for him.  

I  know this story was a little more than you were expecting, but I think it is important, as you do, to share our stories and maybe help to give others a sense of perspective to each of our individual journeys.

See you next week,

Julie

How did her story affect you?  Can any of you relate to it?  If you have anything you would like to tell Julie or share something in your life with Julie, send it to me and I will forward it to her. OPPORTUNITY! CadillacJack says--Never pass up an opportunity; it might not ever come again.  WorldClassLarry says--If you can uplift someone, it's great for the person but it's great for your own heart as well!  

Joesixpack says--You always can't plan your life now can ya!  When in CO, I played UNO with little Jimmer and Erin.  Little Jimmer (i.e. 4.5) was dealing out the cards.  He stacked the deck by giving himself all the wild cards, skips and draw four cards. I said he couldn't do that; that's cheating. He said--Grandpa, I'm just getting ready for the game! He did it 'cause he wanted to win of course. Everyone wants to win and have live their life that way.  No surprise!  He didn't win.  He crawled under the coffee table and pouted!  I tried to tell him that he has to learn how to lose as he will lose a lot in life (i.e. I don't think he understood).  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Peace is the absence of trouble. Peace is the presence of God.

I understand--MAYBE

I shared a comical, true story with a few friends. Some got it and some didn't. One guy said his wife had to explain it to him.  Another asked me to explain it to him.  And a response I got from another showed defiantly he didn't get it. We don't all understand the same now do we. Sooooo you all won't and can't understand exactly what I'm saying in this Saturday; You won't, You can't.  Such is life.

America--Land of the Free! Joesixpack says--If you find bees: Don't make them mad! Headlines in the AZ Republic--Why Trump's Ariz.win terrifies GOP (i.e. or it could read--the Democrats love Hillary).  Sooooo who are the GOP or the Democrats?  I don't understand!  Are they the big brass political machine who hold paid offices and have a direct (e.g. $$$) interest or are they the voters of the parties. Who are worried about Trump and Hillary?  Are folks more worried about their own skin? It's usually about the money--not usually, always! Do folks understand that the Government is not a Santa Claus?  I don't understand politics.  Maybe no one does. But if I understand history at all, when it gets bad enough, I mean real bad, things happen and it ain't usually pretty. Such is life.

I rode my bike over to the Red Mountain Branch of the the Mesa Library last Saturday to pick up the DVD Marshian that a buddy suggested I watch.  I cabled my bike up next to one with no wheels. I guess I understand  you don't want to leave your bike there overnight!  Sandra Rose Simmons was at the library tooting her book, Moon Glow a novel. She is the author of the month at the library. You can buy her book from Amazon if interested (i.e. help the budding author). I asked her about her book (i.e. her first) and she told me about it etc.and in the conversation she mentioned her church some way.  I asked her where she goes to church--she told me it is The New Vision Center for Spiritual Living--is that Christian--not exactly--what does that mean--Our beliefs are based on the teachings of Ernes Holmes. His work incorporates the thoughts of many spiritual leaders of various faiths--do you believe in Jesus--I do but not as a traditional Christian would--like how--we believe in him as a good person, a prophet, a good example--soooo you don't believe in Him as your Savior who died, rose from the grave and who ever believes in Him will have eternal life--I do metaphysically but not literally; erv, are you a Christian--yes--sooo are you going to condemn me for believing this way--no no Sandra, I understand the struggle that the Christian faith imposes--I was raised a strict Calvinist but just struggle with some of their believes--I understand--Sandra, are you saved--I have Jesus in my heart and that brings me peace every day, every time I’m awake to Spirit. The book is not about religion or such--It's a fictional story (i.e. goggle it). I bought her book for $10!!!!!! Our conversation is being shared with her permission and her editing. I read in the paper sooo it must be right--Diversity is wonderful unless you happen to want to be diverse by disagreeing with a diversalist.

Folks call her "The BooHoo Lady" 'cause she was always talking about how badly she’d been treated in life. She’d been cheated, mistreated, shortchanged, passed by, unfairly dealt with. Other people always got the big break she deserved. Nobody gave her a chance. Nobody understood her. Nobody appreciated her. It’s like she had a tape player in her head, and whenever she opened her mouth out came this sad song. Boo-Hoo.

Maybe a good response to a "Boo-Hoo Lady would be--nod and speak two words, "I understand." They are simple words, yet so profound. Maybe they are words that we need to speak more often among friends, family, spouses, co-workers, and even nations. The simple words of, "I understand." We hear many folks say--No one understands me. Saturday question--Do we really try to understand others? ItchieBitchie says--Perhaps the first phase of being understood is understanding!

AverageJoe says--If you are gong to make a mistake, make sure it's an intelligent one! I have a friend who says he's "spiritually conservative but socially liberal" (i.e. he is not running for office).  Is that possible?  He claims it is.  Maybe I don't understand.  That could be. I always don't understand him anyway.  He's a very smart man and reads stuff that I have no idea what they are talking about.  Hey, I'm just a little old farm boy from a mile and fourth south of Roseland MN. But I understand that I don't understand a lot of stuff soooo that makes me an understanding person even though my friend might not understand me.  Do you understand that? SusieQ says--My understanding is that educators and media are usually more liberal; is that true? What do you folks think? That might make you conservatives hot under the collar but not as hot as this--I read in the paper sooooo it must be right--From 1981 to 2010 the average number of days in highs of 100 or higher in the Valley of the Sun was 110! That's a wow to me. WOW! That will toast your tootsies!

I understand alright ~ 1966: Long hair--2016: Longing for hair: 1966: KEG--2016: EKG; 1966: Acid rock--2016 Acid reflux; 1966: Moving to California because it's cool--2016: Moving to Arizona because it's warm:1966: Going to a new hip joint 2016--Receiving a new hip joint: 1966: Rolling Stones--2016 Kidney Stones: 1966: Screw the system--2016: Upgrade the system: 1966: Disco--2016: Costco:

I guess I don't understand why all the dignitaries come out of the woodwork when someone dies (i.e. like at Nancy Regan's funeral).  Is that political, advertising or is that from their heart? I have to admit that I'm not impressed when folks try to make a dead person more than they were (e.g. having certain casket bearers for show only).  I had a late friend tell me once--I went to Sally's funeral but thought I was at the wrong funeral; I didn't know her to be the way they talked about her at all! Think about all the folks who died who had no funeral (e.g. all the many soldiers). AverageJoe asks--Does all that hoopla make much difference?  Folks seem to like it as Nancy Regen's funeral was on TV. Saturday question--Will there be dignitaries at your funeral (i.e. if you have a funeral) and will it be on TV?  If not, why not? I often think of my Uncle Jim's funeral. There was a priest that said a few works who was a friend of his late wife, a bartender where he would have a few beers, his brother and his wife, a nephew who was the executor of his estate, a neighbor lady and Arlene and I.  Uncle Jim was a good guy I thought.  But I guess not many really cared.  His soul is no different than Nancy Regan's (i.e. my opinion). Such is life.

I understand that life goes on but...! Before we left AZ this week, I went and visited a few guys who I got to know quite well and who I really like. They are older than I for the most part.  I wanted to tell them that they are special guys.  I told them that as maybe I will never see them again--we might not come back to AZ or either of us might die (i.e. the older we get the closer to death we get). Soooo, I thought now was a good time to tell them my feelings. They think they will live to 100 and they might but might not tooo. Huh, interesting.

What! Really!  I played my second golf outing of the winter with some buddies/friends Wednesday (i.e. sorta kinda a happy trails to you).  We played 18 at The Fountain of the Sun Country Club. One of my buddies shot 10 over.  Sooooo what's the big deal about 10 over for 18, He's 89 folks. And there was no rolling the ball for preferred lies, no mulligans, and no give me putts.  Just straight up golf--legate. I said to him on the 17th tee box--you must be getting tired.  Iron Byron said--erv, I don't seem to get tired! What! Really!

Raus, raus. Hande hoch!  Some of you folks with German ancestry or are WW II vets might understand that. I don't.  I have a hard enough time understanding English.  Butler County, the county we live in, has German ancestors who can still speak German (i.e. high and low German they say). I read it in the paper, sooooo it must be right that it means--Come out with your hands up!  Like, give up, we gotcha ya! Have you ever been gotten--you are dead in the water--no way out. A friend told me once again at breakfast recently--At our AA meetings, once a person realizes that there is no way out of their alcoholic problem (i.e. dead in the water or is it dead in the booze) and start believing in a Higher Power, they can start the recovery process.  My friend has been sober for 13.5 years but continues to attend AA meetings. Bingo. Here are their 12 steps: 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol - that our lives had become unmanageable. 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. 4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. 6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. 7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. 8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. 9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. 10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. 11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. 12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

We are on our way home from AZ via CO.  These little stinkers I always don't understand but I do understand this move of theirs!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Flexible people never get bent out of shape.

P.S. Let met know if you buy Sandra's book. I'm just curious. If you do and want to make a comment to Sandra, send it to me and I will forward it to her. Also, she would like you to write a review on Amazon.