over reacting "again"

A friend emailed me—erv, don’t get your shorts in a knot!  I think she is saying that I’m over reacting!  Ouchy ouchy! I think she maybe has put a little tooooo much RumChata in her coffee! One more thing my friend, this “It’s Saturday” does not come with batteries; you gotta furnish your own.  ha ha

ElmerFudge says—It seems like Christmas season was way long this year and I still have one more weekend of it; will it ever be over; it’s challenging sharing time with the in-laws and also sharing the kids with the ex. ElmerFudge, maybe you are over reacting and maybe you are not! It can seem to be a long time alright for many and for many they can’t get enough of it.  Why is that do you think?  That is what I thought! A deceased friend would say every year at Christmas—The best lights of Christmas are the tail lights of everyone leaving.  I don’t know if he was serious or if he was kidding! I always laughed.  

NewPersonLinda says—Well, Christmas is over for another year; the Christmas story is always the same but I think I have changed. Really NewPersonLinda!  C. S. Lewis says in his book Mere Christianity—"The new step has been taken and is being taken.  Already the new men are dotted here and there all over the earth.  Some, as I have admitted, are still hardly recognizable:  but others can be recognized.  Every now and then one meets them. Their voices and faces are different from ours: stronger, quieter, happier, more radiant. They begin where most of us leave off. They do not draw attention to themselves. You tend to think that you are being kind to them when they are really being kind to you.  They love you more than other men do, but they need you less.  In that way, to become holy is rather like joining a secret society. To put it at the very lowest, it must be great fun.” Some of you might think Mr. Lewis is over reacting!

Talk about a changed person.  I went for a run the other day and met this guy who I have known for probably 45 years.  I would guess the last 40 years he wouldn’t acknowledge me when I said hi to him (i.e. I always say hi to him—it was sorta kinda a fun experience—it made me laugh).  He seems to be always mad at the world soooo I have always taken it as a grain of salt.  Well, today, I again said hi…and he said hi erv.  Crazy! I think he must have finally got the cocklebur out of his underwear!   I would guess that must have really felt good! I don’t think I’m over reacting! 

Friends, you might not want to read this paragraph; it could make you uncomfortable.  I was told by a friend that he has been rejected by a company.  Yep, they don’t want him in their place. They sorta kinda ran him off! I’m guessing that this business thinks he might tarnish their image (i.e. make them and their customers uncomfortable--hard on the bottom line).  My friend has an illness that he thinks folks are uncomfortable with and treat him like it’s contagious. I feel sorry for him that folks treat him this way (i.e. I also feel bad for the folks who made this decision in that company).  Soooo have you ever thought you were better than someone else or have you ever been uncomfrotable around folks with some handicap?  Come on, we all have.  That is why certain groups don’t want certain folks in their groups (e.g. country clubs, churches, businesses, gated communities, small groups, card clubs, retirement communities, towns, etc.). I have a friend who amazes me. Yes, she does.  She seems to accept all folks pretty much the same (i.e. from my observation anyway).  She could become an elitist but has decided not tooooo (i.e. she is affluent and socially acceptable). She could be a snob but has decided not toooo be.  She is a good person with a good heart; my kind of person.  MissPerfect says—erv, you are just over reacting.  

I got this Christmas gift in the mail from a friend.  I wonder if he thinks I need money or I need to learn to manage my funds better.  I’m reading a lot into his line of “spend it wisely.”  LuckieEddie says—You are way over reacting erv; it might just be something he does to all his grand children and he is having fun with you (i.e. he is; I know it; it’s soooo much fun) What fun.  He is a unique, a special person!!!

MyGolfBuddyLarry says--What is one food that can lead to prolonged problems in the future---- wedding cake.  GolfBuddyLarry, are you overreacting?  This is my friend who was my best shot partner in a golf tournament years ago.  He showed up with only one lens in his glasses!  That’s the best I ever saw him play! 

LuckieEddie says—My wife can over react alright; she is the queen of over reacting.  I made one slip up and she was all over me; I didn’t mean to do it.  I recently penned a short, romantic note to my wife while I was away on a golf trip, and I missed one small "e".  No problem you might say. Not so.  This tiny error has caused me to seek police protection to enter my own house. I wrote, "Hi darling, I'm enjoying and experiencing the best time of my whole life, and I wish you were her!”

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it—Elimelech said--"The world of business is littered with the failures of men and women that had great potential - possessing the intelligence and skill sets to perform well in their jobs, yet lacking one important quality: Teachability. When someone is unwilling to learn, assuming they already know everything there is to know, or acting obstinate and refusing to receive much-needed, well-intended instruction, predictably their likelihood of success is very low. This applies to mentoring relationships as well. A mentor can only help the person he or she is mentoring if that individual is receptive to the insights and experience the mentor wishes to offer. Someone that is unwilling to learn, even if it means humbling oneself enough to be corrected as well as instructed, is poor leadership material.”  I don’t think this is over reacting. What do you think?  That is what I thought.

I was with a person recently who messed with my ego!  This person talked a lot about  how great they are.  I had to admit to myself that I was a little envious of them.  But after a little thought, I realized that I’m happy for them. I’m happy for their greatness and I’m happy with myself just as I am.  But it made me think—Am I teachable.  Do I lie to myself?  I cannot advance if I don’t tell myself the truth (i.e. keep lying to myself).  Ouchy ouchy!  I will never change if I don’t tell myself the truth (i.e. I must have the correct diagnoses). I’m going to work on this!

I realize that you folks are very smart (i.e. well, all except for one of you—ha ha).  The introduction of Ecclesiastes says—From the perspective of his own understanding, the Teacher takes measure of man, examining his capabilities.  He discovers that human wisdom, even that of a godly person, has limits. ItchieBitchie says—erv, you must be talking about others, surely not about me; you probably haven’t had the opportunity to be around me enough!  erv, you are just over reacting again!  Well, maybe I am and maybe I’m not.  Psychology says—Most folks (i.e. maybe none you of course) think they know more than proven statistics!  Ouchy ouchy!  Even when reliable results can be produced time and time again from many proven experiments (i.e. proven facts), many folks think they are still right.   Do you know any folks like that?  That is what I thought!  CrazyMarvin says—Ya gotta remember erv, a lot of stuff is easier said than done; the mind is really something; totally not understandable!  MissPerfect says—I can’t even understand myself besides understanding anyone else.  Such is life.

MiltonGibberish says--Positive psychology suggests the pursuit of both hedonic wellbeing (pleasure) and eudaimonic wellbeing (engagement and meaning) provides pure and lasting happiness. The danger comes in pursuing one without the other. "It’s not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness."- Charles Spurgeon  ~  Actor Jim Carrey said, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of, so that they can see that it’s not the answer.”

This was in my pickleball buddy’s psychology text book that he wrote soooo it must be right

GeorgeTheCrook says--It’s time to admit that over the course of a year, our cable provider successfully lulled me to sleep and pillaged our bank account. I have to give credit where credit is due, they won the battle. I think GeorgeTheCrook, you are over reacting a little.  No no, I just got toooo big for my britches and got exposed in the end!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Life without love is like a day without light.

P. S.  LuckieEddie says--Returning your purchases can return your happiness!  

kindness

BobbySlug says—I have previewed this “It’s Saturday” and I think it’s “blimp worthy.”  Well, thanksamillion BobbySlug but you are the same guy that thinks “money grows on trees!” But, BobbySlug, I will cut you some slack a.k.a. be kind to you since it’s Christmas.  BobbySlug, I realize you have an ethos of kindness; it shows.

***“You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Our nephew-in-law wrote this in their newsletter--A couple of weeks ago the pastoral staff at Grace went on an overnight retreat. As part of the retreat we each took turns sharing "Life Turns," which is a major event that changed the trajectory of your life. As part of this exercise we were also to take a step back and look at these Life Turns as a whole to see if there is a theme to what God seems to be doing in our lives. For me my theme was that I've been forever changed by those who paid extra attention to me when it wasn't expected or required. My day-care lady brought my brother and I to church at a young age. Several teachers, especially my 6th grade teacher, pushed me to do more than what was expected. Many coaches laid out a process and helped me even though I wasn't very athletic. My youth pastor reached out to me when I hadn't been to church in years. In college a guy on my dorm stuck with me even though we weren't (and still aren't) very similar. A mentor showed up and continued to invest in me despite my sometimes overt hostility towards him. Several pastors regularly mentored me and have taught me more than I even know. This theme is the passion for my ministry. I want to be a part of a church that is focused on remembering the forgotten, of caring for the abandoned. 

A few weeks ago I didn’t know what a battery tender was.  I was talking to a friend and he asked me if I have put my Yamaha XT250 away for the winter—ya, I guess soooo; did you put a battery tender on it—what’s a battery tender—it’s a little charger that you leave on during long periods of non-use; it keeps the battery charged soooo it doesn’t get damaged over the winter.  Soooo he gives me one (i.e. this is a kind guy).  It is unique in that it charges the battery only when it needs it and other times just goes in the storage mode.  This battery tender reminds me of kind people (i.e. many of you guys).  Saturday question—Are you a kind person, a regular battery tender?

 ***I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--During this Christmas season, you’ll hear one word more than any other. It’s not “merry,” “tree,” “Santa,” or even — unfortunately — “Jesus.” It’s “gift.” The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). Now that is being pretty generous folks.  Saturday question--Are you a generous person?

KindHeartedRenee says--This year, as you make your holiday lists—whether grocery lists or gift lists—make one more list. Think of a few people for whom the holidays might be kind of tough. And then do something about it (i.e. just don’t talk about it). HonestPete says--Well KindHeartedRenee, I struggle with buying things that folks don’t want, with money I don’t have to impress folks I don’t like.  Ya, we have a tendency to like to spend a lot of money on folks that really don’t need it (i.e. impress the peer group).  Crazy, aren’t we! But it’s reality.  Probably not as astounding as Edison’s E=mc²!  Saturday question—Who are you, really folks, who are you really (i.e. not your phony side when you are trying to impress others).  ItchieBitchie says—A little kindness goes a long way; can you imagine how far a lot of kindness will go?  Have others ever been kind to you?  How did it feel? That is what I thought.

***I read this in a book of the “Book” but I don’t know who actually the Teacher is (i.e. there is differences of opinion on that)—I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.

MissPerfect says—Kindness is like magic!  I had a magical event, well, anyway it felt like magic to me.  I goggled—how to clean the glass doors of our fireplace to clean off the smudge and smoke and crap (i.e. it’s hard to get off).  It said—Use some ash and water.  Ya, right, that is toooo simple.  It was incredible, just amazingly easy and it really worked.  And I never heard of it before and was totally surprising.  I wonder if kindness could be that surprising to someone (i.e. someone who would least expect it).  Does that make any sense to you?  That is what I thought.

MissPerfect says-erv, opinions and suggestions belong on the opinion page (i.e. that is just what they are; opinions and suggestions).  For some of you, this talk about being kind to others might make you feel like an awkward prom dance!  But if you go ahead and decide to do some act of kindness, I would like to make a few suggestions. I suggest you do it without self-glorifying yourself (i.e. if you want to be praised for your act of kindness--work on your approval rating), then it’s a business deal and you aren’t any different than “Self-gloryingDuaneTheWorm.”  Another suggestion—After you do an act of kindness (i.e. if you decide to do that), forget about it as sooooon as possible (i.e. like immediately). Then, start thinking about your next act of kindness. Suggestion—Don’t try to impress God!  AverageJoe says—That is about enough suggestions, erv; you make me nervous; remember, erv, you are only a little farm boy from a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN. and don’t you forget it! GeorgeTheCook says—No one likes to be preached tooooo, erv!  Get off your high horse, you sound like you think you know something; you don’t!  I hate that when folks shrink up my ego and put me where I belong (i.e. it’s very humbling).  Hey, but I feel a lot better now (i.e. it’s like finally accepting that bossing your neighbor’s dog around ain’t working).  Such is life.   

Forensic psychologists think that I might be dissociated from reality.  Talking about feeling better.  I had a great experience the other day—I fell playing pickleball.  I reinjured my knee a little (i.e. nutten toooo bad—old high school football injury) but “once again” it was something that helped me to put my life in proper perspective (e.g. why am I playing pickleball anyway—how important is it in my total life—pickleball is not my life).  It really did help me see the big picture a little better.  Here is something that was sorta kinda a negative which really turned into something positive.  Great timing toooooo.   I wondered why the pickleball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.  Such is life.

I was in Hy-Vee getting some Christmas groceries.  There was a guy standing by his kiosk touting his popcorn.  He gave me a sample.  It was good.  He told me he raises it just south of Dollar General (i.e. a local grower).  How many acres do you grow—about 40—is popcorn growing a good business—can be but it’s based on supply and demand; when the commercial corn price is low, farmers grow more popcorn soooo this year there is a large supply; you have to have a place to market it (i.e. raising it isn’t hard but selling it is somewhat harder).  I think he was saying—its’s easy to preach or write a book, but the key is to have folks listen or read it and then apply it (i.e. they have to buy into it).  Sooooo there you go!  I bought a bag of his popcorn; I liked it.

***GoodHearted,KindKelly says--Small acts of kindness matter. Because the gift might not be small for the recipient. The small gift might, in fact, make all the difference.

Some of you tell me that you like it when I’m personal.  Well, here is something personal.  Our daughter, Heather, posted two posts on Facebook.  I read the first one and cried.  I read it again and I cried again.  Here it is:  Heather Mellema Woodworth I’m about to embark on something crazy. A marathon and fundraising for Alzheimer’s Association. Both sound daunting. More to come.... I will be asking my friends and family for support. I hate asking people for money, but know that donations go directly to the cause. I am paying my race registration and travel costs. If each of my Facebook friends donated $5, I would be nearly to my goal. That’s one trip to Starbucks. Donations big and small are appreciated. I’m doing this for my mom and everyone else who is slowly fading away with this disease. She loved to sing and play the piano- she can no longer do either. She baked the best cookies - she can’t even turn the oven on. I’ll be posting a link to my donation post.

Heather Mellema Woodworth

December 13 at 9:33pm · 

Alzheimer's Association Online

 · 

I'm running the Chicago Marathon in honor of my mom and my dad, who has a nearly full time job caring for her. I also run in honor of everyone's support and others who are also affected by Alzheimer's.

ALZ Stars

Join our 2018 Bank of America Chicago Marathon - Chicago, IL and help raise awareness and funds for vital Alzheimer's care, support and research.

RPX.ME

***The greatest example of kindness is Jesus.   No question!  He is the true gift.  I read it in the Bible soooooo it must be right--Jesus is the reason for the season. Saturday question—What kind of folks were most of Jesus’ acts of kindness given toooooo? Were most or all of his acts of kindness on earth pretty special?  I think soooo. How about his acts of kindness he promises; are they pretty special? I think soooo!

No AZ this winter!

Merry Christmas to all of you from Arlene and me.  We really care about you guys. We wish you a great Christmas. You are special folks.

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

erv and Arlene

MyFriendJean says—There is no scale or chart on earth to measure what a true friend is worth.

P. S. Kindness is shown in many different ways.
We appreciate your Christmas greetings, pictures, and acts of kindness.  Thanksamillion

well well now

Podcast link with Luther Dykema about his Christmas as a kid in Roseland, MN at the bottom of this blog.

Accusations of Christmas are interesting.  Some folks make accusations that seem correct and some folk’s accusations seem to be out in left field (i.e. it all depends who is doing the evaluating).  BUT many times, we are the ones who get to sit back with our eggnog and decide for ourselves what stuff we think is just accusations and which stuff is the TRUTH!  CrazyNorman is easily swayed by “which ever the way the wind is blowing” (i.e. he has no foundation).  ItchieBitchie says—Some folks are part of the highly-sensitive crowd (e.g. confirmation bias)!  Ouchy ouchy!

***GiftGiverMyrt says—Some of you aren’t alone in missing the point. During the very first Christmas, there was a group of people (i.e. the religious leaders of Jerusalem) who missed the birth of Jesus because of familiarity. Well well now.

***I asked a waitress if she likes Christmas—NO, toooo much hassle.  I like family and stuff but toooo commercial for me.  Toooo much glitter and crap.  Obviously not everyone feels that way.  Oh deer! LuckieEddie says--The street appeal of Christmas is different for different folks alright

Well well now! I read this in my pickleball buddy’s psychology text book that he wrote soooo it must be right but some of you might just think it’s an accusation!  There are a lot of accusations being made these days.

A couple of pickleballers and I were sitting waiting to play.  Those two were talking about the squirrels in their yards.  One caught and relocated, I think she said, 16 squirrels from her yard.  They both talked about having inured squirrels and calling the rescue folks to come and help them (i.e.  actually gave them money I think).  They both said they have tender hearts for animals.  In fact, the guy said he became friends with a squirrel (i.e. it ate out of his hand) but it died; he said he cried.  Then he said—I’m the same guy that goes out and shoots a couple of deer each year. Go figure. Well well now, now that is a an oxymoron! 

***SweetPieJessica says--Teach kids to care about others; other than just about themselves.  Well well now!  Saturday question—Are you a lot like your parents?  Really!  Wow! Are your kids a lot like you?  Really! Wow!  I know three generations of a family where the grand dad had a bad temper, his son has a bad temper and his two grandsons have bad tempers.  I assume that much or all of it is learned.  What do you think?  That is what I thought! This week I was in the library and one of the librarians said to Ron and me that their daughter says sometimes--Mom, every once in a while, you just come out of my mouth; unintentionally! Such is life.

Our TV didn’t work. It flashed crazy stuff on the screen and then went blue.  I called Direct TV and we went through the protocol and it didn’t work.  The technical support said they would have to send out a technician.  Ok.  Then it started to work sooooooo I called and cancelled the appointment.  Guess what, a few days latter it didn’t work again sooooooo I called Direct TV again.  Went through the same process and the tech person says—you got to keep the appointment this time even if it works.  I was a little disappointed that the equipment of Direct TV didn’t work.  Soooooo I was sitting in my chair late one night and started thinking—well well now, maybe the problem is our TV.  I switched TVs and guess what, it was the TV.  I laughed at myself as I was for sure it was Direct TV’s fault and never thought it might be my fault.  Have you ever done that in life.  I have.  C. S. Lewis says—If you think you are not conceited, it means that you are very conceited in deed. Ouchy ouchy!

***GoodHeartedHeather says--The opposite of peace is not war, it is enmity.  It is enmity that is the opposite of good-will, the opposite of kind acts and blessing smiles.  It is enmity that can darken the human soul. Well well now!  C.S. Lewis also says—

It just wasn’t their priority right now or the timing was bad or something (i.e. I understand—I really do)!  I had an interesting experience recently.  I invited some folks to be part of an opportunity.  I asked 14 of our family (i.e. average age maybe 40ish); 1 accepted, 1 maybe, 6 said they were toooo busy, 2 said they didn’t want tooooo, and the other 4 didn’t respond.  Interesting.  Sooooo I asked a group of friends (i.e. ages from 40+ to 70+ from all different backgrounds—a real eclectic group).  Of the 14 invites, 11 said yes, 2 were toooo busy, and 1 was a non-responder.  Well well now, I will need to sit down with a few Christmas cookies and try to digest that. Interesting.   AllAboutMeCasey says—Money and time is a measuring stick of a man’s choices.

I have and am still learning to accept folks for who they are even when I don’t understand them and don’t agree with them (i.e. I actually told a friend at church Sunday that I don’t understand her—she said that her husband doesn’t understand her either ha ha).  I understand that most folks probably don’t understand me or you nor agree with me or you.  That is just reality.  What is important to me may not be important to others.  You get the picture.  It doesn’t necessarily make them or me bad, but circumstances are just different for all of us.  Cultures, environments, situations, education, age, financial levels, being a believer or non-believers, being a liberal or conservative can really affect folks’ persona and believes and actions.  It seems that those differences can be really magnified at Christmas time. CadillacJack says—Sooooo just sit back and try to enjoy the diversity of your friends, family, and acquaintances even though you might think some of them are rather goofy (i.e. they don’t ring the bell in your head) based on your thinking.  Of course, your thinking might be wrong!  ha ha But you can still learn from them and them from you.  Well well now; such is life.

***JoHumbug says—I have read that nearly 7 in 10 Americans (69%) said they would skip exchanging gifts this holiday season if their friends and family agreed to it. You believe that?  That is what I thought.  Well well now! Just another accusation you say.  It could be. 

TomTerrific says—Whatever makes you miserable can be bucketed into categories.  Yes, it can!  Here are a couple of categories:  1 You think conditions always need to go your way. 2. You feel folks have to treat you a certain way.  Well well now, who do you think you are anyway, that you always have to have your way.  My deceased neighbor use to say—It if has wheels, you know you are going to have trouble with it (i.e. a modern version would be, if you have technology, you know you are going to have trouble with it).  Sooooo why are we soooo surprised when it happens.  I decorated our house for Christmas.  Why did I get disgusted when I put up the tree and it didn’t goooo the way I wanted it to go; I knew it wasn’t going to be perfect; it never does.  I think it is that I really don’t like doing it but I like it when it’s up.  Crazy, I know but that’s me. Well well now erv!

***Last year a teller at the bank asked me how my Christmas was—good (i.e. a standard, generic respond).  How was yours—ok, but I’m glad it’s over.  Usually gals don’t say that, just guys. Maybe there were circumstances that I don’t know about.  I didn’t ask.  I really didn’t want to know. Well well now! You say—Just another accusation!

Here is a monstrosity of an observation.  A friend just spent several days at Mayo Clinic having some tests done.  He told me—Everyone should go to any major hospital and watch all the patients in the halls etc.  It really makes one realize that there is a lot of hurt dealing with medical problems; it’s a humbling experience seeing all those folks.  Soooo Arlene and I had an opportunity to take a friend to U of I Hospital soooo she could see her mother.  We sat in the waiting area and did just that—observed all the patients in the hall ways in gurneys, in wheel chairs or walking pushing their bags around.  It was very humbling.  Sooooo I got a little bored soooo I walked the long hall ways again and again and again.  I looked everyone in the eye.  I would guess that 80% looked me in my eye as well.  I smiled or said hi. They all responded.  The 20% that didn’t look at me, I would guess that maybe 80% of them were gals between 30 and 40.  Well well now, that was interesting. MissPerfect says—That is just an accusation erv!

*** I read in the paper soooo it must be right. After the holidays, divorce rates jump a third. I guess there is a lot of stuff going on that we don’t see; we just see the glitter and lights but…! Oh deer!

I really make myself laugh at times; I am soooo funny; probably only funny to myself but I’m funny alright (i.e. others think I'm only funny to look at).  I just have to laugh at myself; I’m real cheap entertainment.  Maybe you are funny to yourself toooo.  Maybe I’m not the only person who laughs at themselves.  Chet and Jessica took Rookie and a couple of his buddies bowling etc. for his 5th birthday party.  Chet said to me—Being around a couple of other 5-year old boys, reassured me that Henry was not the only 5-year old boy who acts that way.  ANYWAY I look at our Christmas tree and think the lights aren’t all on (i.e. doesn’t look good).  Then I go and look at the tree from another angle and the tree looks way better.  It’s just amazing how if I look at it from a different angle, Christmas looks way different.  I just have to laugh at myself.  Crazy funny!

***GoodHeartedDoris says--The religious leaders of Jesus’ day knew every religious tradition by heart, but they wouldn’t walk five miles from Jerusalem to Bethlehem to witness the birth of God’s Son. People today will put up lights, have parties, give gifts, and send out cards. They’ll participate in every single Christmas tradition they can squeeze into December. Well, ho hum! OneSmartPerson says--Execution trumps knowledge every day of the week. Well well now!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Success comes to the person who does today what you are thinking of doing tomorrow.

P.S.  It's official: Bitcoin has surpassed "Tulip Mania" and is now the biggest bubble in world history.  What makes it official anyway?  

pa rum pum pum pum

FirecrackerJosie says—This “It’s Saturday” could be just exotic smashmouth!  Well pa rum pum pum pum FirecrackerJosie!  You know, she might be right, I don’t know for sure but what I do know for sure is-- this “It’s Saturday” ain’t no country song! LittleJimmie is wondering! He wonders if the song, I Saw Mommy Kissing Sana Claus, might have new meaning this year at Christmas.  LittleJimmie says--It can make a person wonder now can’t it; if 1,000 mommies have the same story during the last 10 to 100 years, Santa’s image might be tarnished.

I went for a run on the golf course last Saturday.  There was one golfer on the course; it was my friend, “The Big Kahuna.” We had a nice visit about a lot of things.  We both are concerned about a mutual friend.  Soooo I said to him—do you like Christmas—ya, I do; as long as we don’t get all bent out of shape—Ya, I like many of the events of Christmas; one thing I like is seeing all the lights folks put out—I don’t put lights out; I don’t have the desire or the inclination—well I just put out a token light display a.k.a. minimal—I  did that a couple of years ago but it looked soooo cheesy that I decided it is better that I just don’t put any up soooo we don’t!   !  Well pa rum pum pum pum! I just think “The Big Kahuna” just called me cheesyerv!  Sooooo where did the one-legged waitress work? IHOP! Now that is cheesy folks.

I had breakfast with a friend recently.  He ordered 2 eggs fried, a pancake, milk and coffee.  When his order came, he asked for another plate for his eggs and poured the milk on his pancake.  I never saw that before and asked him “what that was all about.”  He told me that his mother, Lucy, grew up during the depression and their family was poor.  They had a large garden and raised a lot of potatoes and onions.  They also had a milk cow.  No syrup; toooo expensive, soooo they put milk on their pancakes; that is all they had.  Sooooo that “milk on the pancake” was passed down to my friend’s mother and now to my friend.  What a great touching story for me.  Well pa rum pum pum pum!

I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it—"Do you know what the word “appreciation” means? If you’ve ever bought a car, you know the meaning of depreciation (i.e. a new car will depreciate about 19% in the first year). The moment you drive it off the lot, it’s worth less than you paid for it, even if it’s a brand-new vehicle. Depreciation means to decrease in value. Appreciation means to raise in value — and it is a ministry. Arlene recently had a birthday and got quite a number of cards. That is something she enjoys and appreciates.  Why folks did that I don’t know for sure but I would guess because they care about her and want to maybe show appreciation. It was an uplift for her.  I say thanksamillion to you who did.  It is always a surprise when we get appreciation from folks whom we don’t expect.  Maybe we should try that this Christmas; send a card to someone who would be surprised in getting a word of encouragement (i.e. kindness cost nutten).  What do you think?  That is what I thought.  Well pa rum pum pum pum!

A friend was leading a small group discussing a book but had a hard time keeping some folks focused on the book.  They wanted to express their pet pees, agendas, and their opinions about stuff not related to the book.  That is sorta kinda like Christmas.  ExcitedJulia says--It is hard to stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas.  My mentor would say—erv, Christmas has toooo much stuff going on for us to really focus on what it is all about; I like Thanksgiving better. But he’s a guy; guys think differently that gals I think.  But, I know some of you don’t like Christmas; I know ‘cause you told me soooo. Some of you are downright nasty about it!  You know who you are!  Well pa rum pum pum pum!

My Daddy, Chester, would say to me, erv, never borrow money on anything that depreciates in value but you can borrow money on stuff that appreciates like cattle or farm ground.  Good or bad (i.e. I have no idea, but I have never borrowed money for a car).  My Daddy, Chester, also said to me—erv, interest is something you want coming in and not going out.  Such was life a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN.  ItchieBitchie says—hey erv, I’m pretty normal as 43% of all adults have a car loan and some are 5 or 6-year loans. I called our local bank and asked what the interest rate is for a car loan—from 4.25 %; to 7.75% depending on the credit score. Ok, interest rate for pass book savings at banks is about .2% but a car loan is maybe 6%.  Would it make sense to save the money first and you would be making about 5.5% on your money. Would that be good reasoning?  Or am I missing something here! MissPerfect says—You are missing something erv, it’s instant gratification! MoneyMangerPete says—That is why the rich get richer and the poor get poorer! Well pa rum pum pum pum!

I had to laugh at what Grassley said.  I’m sure he’s trying to save face but maybe he was misinterpreted.  In any case, I find it funny.   Soooooo don’t take anything I say tooooo serious; you might be misinterpreting what I’m trying to say!  ha ha

You and I might have similarities and differences but this is hard to misinterpret--I play Christmas music. Arlene really likes it. She hums some, sings a few words, sways her body and moves her arms. She knows the songs and the words. Then says—like— sing no—wish. Soooo happy and sooooo sad. Then she says to me—why erv! She is sooooooo sweet. Well pa rum pum pum pum!

Talk about reasoning—MyNieceRacheal a.k.a. the book reader who suggests books for me to read, suggested that I read another of C. S. Lewis’ books.  She can’t believe I haven’t read any other of his books.  Sooooo I got The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe from the library.  It’s a classic fairy tale for kids, first in the series (i.e. has sorta kinda a Christmas flavor to it). It is about values and good thinking but camouflaged in a fairy tale.  Here is something I enjoyed—The kids quizzed the Professor for some advice; the Professor said— “Logic!” There are only three possibilities. Either your sister is telling lies, or she is mad, or she is telling the truth. I bought a copy for both or our grand girls to read (i.e. I think it's really a good book--my opinion and many others' opinion). CadillacJack says--Hey folks, Facebook doesn’t have any logic; it’s all about emotions and jumping to a conclusion, By Jove CadillacJack, you might be right; that sounds like good logic!  Well pa rum pum pum pum!

I try to decorate our home in somewhat the same fashion as Arlene use tooooo.  BUT it just isn’t the same.  I put some of the same stuff out and etc. but it’s just erv putting stuff out and not Alene having that special touch.  You know what I mean.  NonChristimasFred says—No I don’t know and I could care less!  Yabut NonChristmasFred, it is good for Arlene’s mind and my mind to have those decorations up; Christmas lights always uplifts a person (i.e. my opinion). 

Talk about psychology, my pickleball buddy gave me a copy of the high school text book to read that he wrote. I think it will help me figure some of you out, ha ha!  He told me that not much has really changed in psychology, but we have to change the verbiage to the modern words, change illustrations to modern version, change pictures to current times, and use “now folks” as examples (e.g. like current sports stars). If we don’t, it’s the kiss of death (i.e. can’t sell the book).  That is why he is in the process of writing his 5^th edition.  Maybe we can apply this analogy to many parts of our lives and our culture (e.g. fiber Monday has changed things alright if you like it or not).

Santa, I try to be a good boy but is it ok to sometimes fudge a little? I was eating some Christmas fudge and talking to a customer service technician from Direct TV about a slight problem I was having.  I couldn’t understand her as she had a dialect or an accent.  Oh fudge! I had to ask her to repeat herself several times.  I could tell she was getting frustrated with me and I with her.  Soooooo I said to her—Jane, you will have to be patient with me as I am old and hard of hearing (i.e. fudging on the truth—I’m not old or hard of hearing; well, that depends who is doing the evaluating); you will have to talk slow and distinct.  ANYWAY, after that Jane and I got along real well. She was real kind to me.  I only fudged a little!  Oh fudge! SusieQ says—It seems like I get along with others much better when I take the blame instead of putting the blame on the other person (i.e. it might be called psychology). Well pa rum pum pum pum!

The world is cruel.  For the retail business, Christmas is all about business a.k.a. making money for their companies.   They aren’t kind or sentimental of about finding ways to make money.  Don’t kid yourself folks; they want your money and are getting it (i.e. soooo far it has been a good year for companies making money—folks seem to be spending big according what I read in the paper). Ya gotta give companies a star for being innovative and creative; they know how to manipulate us. I read in the paper soooo it must be right that Americans spent $6.59 billion on Cyber Monday making U.S. history and many of you got to be part of the history.  Big winners were Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Kohl’s, and Target. And other winners were maybe you and maybe not you depending if you bought just what you wanted and not stuff that you didn’t want but couldn’t pass it up because it was sooooooo cheap!  Well pa rum pum pum pum!

The Little Drummer Boy is one of the great Christmas time songs (i.e. my opinion). When I listen to the words, I can almost hear the drum beat. It is the cry or should be the cry of every Christian’s heart. The little drummer boy had nothing to offer the new born King but a song on his little drum. None of us are worthy of Him, yet He still says, come (i.e. a gift with no strings attached—God’s grace)! The song ministers to me that my life is all I have to give. Since my life is all that I have to give, I must try to live the best life possible. A life of worship in my actions, thoughts, and emotions is the acceptable gift to the LORD (i.e. know that is a challenge). Well pa rum pum pum pum!  I think I need to beat my drum in double- quick time! 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Don’t overlook life’s small joys, while searching for the big one.

P.S. Dorthy a.k.a. TheOnlineShopingQueen says-- I have a confession to make.  I spent over $6,000 on Black Friday.  I just couldn't help myself.  I just couldn't pass up all the good deals. And free shipping.  The more I shopped, the more I saved. Besides, I get cash back from my credit card.  How can a gal go wrong! 

yagottafinish your life

Sooooo folks, I hope this “It’s Saturday” will raise your Ebenezer!

Suggestion—Try to find the missing bullet holes (i.e. like finding Elmo) in this “It’s Saturday.” See what you can learn from them (i.e. the missing bullet holes will probably be different for different folks). They often tell the most interesting and useful part of the story (i.e. your story).

• No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn't trying. 
• When something becomes a need, a requirement, it locks us in. We have to have it; which means we start structuring our lives around it. 
• Being winsome helps us win some. Be purposeful in your reflection. Don't only focus on what you may have done wrong, or what you would like to do differently... Make sure to think about what you have done well, or what you are doing well. Don't forget the "Happy".  
• Isn’t it interesting that when others fail, we tend to admire them for trying? Yet when we fail, we beat ourselves up for the very same thing, 

Many times, we are where we don’t want to be; we just gotta keep going; we can’t stop; we gotta keep going!  I stopped and saw a friend the other day.  He has a major health issue. I asked him how he was doing. I’m doing one day at a time; I just keep going. Yagottafinish!

All of us are really in a different state of mind and physical condition.  That is for sure!  Some of us are happy and some sad; some feel rich, some feel poor; some are in good health, some not; some are facing a huge problem, some never had a serious problem.  You get the point!  I am going to make a suggestion to you folks; it is not a truism as I’m not that smart by a long shot (i.e. I’m just a little old farm boy from a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN).   But this seems to work for me somewhat and maybe it might for you.  Big on the maybe!  Enjoy every minute of your life no matter where you are at (i.e. maximize your life).  We don’t need clamorous stuff or expensive stuff or glitzy stuff but just ordinary stuff. Enjoy everything and everybody (i.e. always look at the positive).  I probably sound like a parrot to some of you.  Mikey, try it, you might like it! Yagottafinish! "The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." - Oprah Winfrey  ~  A pickleball buddy who winters in AZ sent me an email inviting me to play in our old group.  I told him that we won’t make it to AZ this winter because of Arlene’s digressing Alzheimer’s.  He sent a nice note back.  Here is the part that really got my attention--erv. And all our hearts are with you and Arlene this winter as you live your own reality. That is a very good observation I think a.k.a. wisdom.  We all have different realities.  Yagottafinish!

I looked in the mirror and didn’t like what I saw!  Yikes! Recently
my ego really flared up (i.e. a huge, massive flareup).  And in all places, it happened in church Sunday morning during the service.  I tried to kill it but I only got it beat down (i.e. just got it under control--it just wouldn’t die).  I had to raise my Ebenezer! LuckieEddie says--A grateful person is rich in contentment. An ungrateful person suffers in the poverty of endless discontentment. Ouchy ouchy!

It’s getting to be the Christmas season sooo I will be watching my favorite Christmas movie—Christmas with Chubby Chase a.k.a. National Lapoon's Christmas Vacation. I laugh every year. I got some early birthday presents from my family during Thanksgiving.  I really like them all.  I asked them how they picked such special presents for me.  They said—we know you.  This one really makes me laugh; I love it! I was coming  back from a run as it was getting dark.  A neighbor has his light all lite up.  He had a ladder up against his house and was fiddling with his lights.  I said--Hey Clark, you got one out on the end!  He obviously doesn't watch that movie (i.e. I thought everyone has--wrong).  He didn't catch on. I bet he thought I was a real jerk!  

A very old man lay dying in his bed. In death's doorway, he suddenly smelled the aroma of his favorite chocolate chip cookie wafting up the stairs. He gathered his remaining strength and lifted himself from the bed. Leaning against the wall, he slowly made his way out of the bedroom, and with even greater effort forced himself down the stairs, gripping the railing with both hands. With labored breath, he leaned against the door frame, gazing into the kitchen. Were it not for death's agony, he would have thought himself already in heaven. There, spread out on newspapers on the kitchen table were literally hundreds of his favorite chocolate chip cookies. Was it heaven? Or was it one final act of heroic love from his devoted wife, seeing to it that he left this world a happy man? Mustering one great final effort, he threw himself toward the table. The aged and withered hand, shaking, made its way to a cookie at the edge of the table, when he was suddenly smacked with a spatula by his wife.
"Stay out of those," she said. "They're for the funeral." Yagottafinish!

 I just don’t know about that!  Our family doctor told me recently—erv, you gotta realize that you are almost 72; you aren't as tough as you use tooooo be! I was discussing something with a new friend and he said—erv, your generation….!  I just realized that he is only in his early 40s (i.e. I could be his dad).  Yabut, our family doctor told me once you get to 71, your odds are better to get to an older age.  Ya, you can’t get to an older age if you die early.  But I gottafinish no matter what age my life will take me to on this earth. Such is life.

"I'd give away every cent I have to be your age again." - Warren Buffet - I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--“Poor in spirit” sounds like someone who is sad or bereft. But it is not that at all. Being “poor in spirit” simply means someone who has humbly recognized the limits of his own abilities. As the New Living Translation affirms, “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him.” That is not sadness; it is realism. It is a clear understanding, probably realized over and over in life, that the kingdom of man is insufficient for human happiness. But the kingdom of God is all-sufficient! How happy will be the person who exchanges his worldly “happiness” for dependence on God. The blessings of the kingdom of heaven will be his or hers.

WorldClassLaarry says--Knowing what you don't know is more useful than being brilliant. I was running the other morning and was approaching an intersection.  A friend was coming in his pickup and I wanted to talk to him.  I raised my hand saying—hold up, I want to talk to you.  When I approached him, he said—erv, you gotta go the bathroom or something!  He just makes me laugh.  I asked him what he was doing. He was helping some folks (i.e. he does a lot of this helping others--a good egg).  I told him that he was really a good person doing all those acts of kindness.  He said—I gotta do a lot of them to make up for all the bad things I do! I really like this guy—he has a very good heart and is a real person; my kind of person.  That same morning while running, I met a senior guy who was walking using a cane. He had a short sleeve shirt on (i.e. I had a long sleeve shirt on).  I said—You must be a tough guy—he said in a slurred speech (i.e. probably a stroke victim)—I use to be a farmer!  I guess he thinks farmers are tough.  He made me laugh!  BUT he was out there walking—yagotttafinish!

I know a lot of really smart folks (i.e. you folks).  Really smart folks can belong to "Mensa" association, a worldwide group of intelligent persons, that requires rigorous testing for membership, with a required standard IQ score of 132 or above (i.e. 98 percentile or above). Most of you will probably qualify, except maybe for one of you. ha ha Soooo I asked SmartyPantsRiley how he go soooo smart.  Here is his answer:  

A tough MT ranch boy was planning to drive back from his parent’s ranch in MT straight through to IA after Thanksgiving with a wife and two small kids.  I thought he was either tough or crazy, one of the other. Well, they changed their minds and did it in two days.  I wonder if he would have left his family stop for potty stops!  Those MT ranch boys are tough alright; real drum majors! Yagottafinish!

When I get ready to run, I check to see what the temperature is and also how windy it is and dress accordingly (i.e. the older I get, the more clothes I need—not as tough).  BUT what is interesting, after I run for maybe a mile, my body warms up and I don’t need as much clothes.  I wonder if that works for other things of life. Yagottafinish!  I wonder as I wander!  CrazyMarvin says—I never have that sensation; I just sit on the couch and eat chips! Such is life. 

Saturday questions--What was your best experience this week: an experience that left you with your mouth wide open? What was your worse experience; one that left you with a bad taste in your wide-open mouth? DeepThinkerEsther says—I wonder how close I am to God?  Is that unmeasurable? How close am I compared to others?  Soooo I really don’t know how close to God I am; I might think I’m very close but in reality, I’m maybe not or vice a versa.  BobbySnort says--You’ll notice in the Christmas story that when the Son of God was born, not a single religious person (e.g. Pharisees) were invited. The people who should have known the most about the birth of Jesus, the spiritual and religious leaders of Israel, didn’t have a clue (i.e. they reeked like elitism). Who were invited? The shepherds watching flocks by night.  The shepherds were considered pretty low in the social ladder.  Huh, interesting. 

SquirrelSquirrely says—When folks’ lives get squirrely, it is interesting how folks act.  SweetBela says—When I use to play house as a kid, it was way different than when the lights came on for real; it’s a way different story. JoeBlow says--Make believe (i.e. Star Wars—new movie is coming out soon) is way different than the real deal (i.e. everyday life).  Yagottafinish!

FantasticFred says—None of us are going to live forever.  Sooooo yagottafinish every day the best we can.  Locking the barn after the horse has run away applies here. Live what you believe to be right. Don’t let your emotions take over; they are unpredictable.  A friend sent me this text after I questioned how she was--Hi erv, don't read too much into anything I say. The kiss principle is always best ( keep it simple, stupid). I don’t know what I am feeling most of the time!! Usually feelings aren't that important. Like the weather, give them 10 minutes and they'll change. Folks, I think that is wisdom. I told her—You said a mouth full there! My Daddy, Chester, would say to me—erv, don’t let your emotions get involved in a business decision. LuckieEddie says--That is a good thought Chester; I let my emotions get involved in what I thought was love (i.e. it was more like a sexual fantasy). It didn’t turn out soooo good.  Is love different? It’s not a business decision you know. LuckieEddie, yastillgottafinish!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--While seeking happiness for others, we unconsciously find it for ourselves.