incredible ride

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--“A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash” (Proverbs 15:14 NLT). MagicTed says--If you want to be wise, learn to ask wise questions—and then listen. WiseWillie says--How do you draw the wisdom out of every person? By learning to ask smart questions (i.e. listen more and talk less). It will give you an incredible ride. It appears that the great folks talk about you and not about themselves.  Why is that do you think? There must be a reason.

Recently I played 18 with some guys who I really enjoy their company (i.e. good guys with good hearts; my kind of folks).  ANYWAY, the “Big Kahuna” also my partner, said to me—I’m a type A person; Type A folks usually are more critical of others than themselves—are you this way—yes I am—Does your wife know this—she sure does.  What a hoot.  Later we said hi to Jack, another golfer teeing off on #1 as we were finishing on #9.  I said—I like Jack; he is always sooooo pleasant and welcoming to me—the “Big Kahuna” said—erv, he must not know you very well!  Then he said—Folks like me a lot better before they really get to know me!  He is soooo funny and humble (i.e. he can really poke fun of himself—a great quality (i.e. my opinion).

The Big Ten conference have really took it on the chin in loosing a number of games to non-conference opponents (i.e. now that is humbling—have to eat humble pie).  After going 7-1 in bowl games last year, maybe they thought they were really something—maybe they aren’t!  It’s a lesson to learn that you can’t live on your past or on your ego.  SusieQ says—Every person has their own story.  Bill Belichick says—To live in the past is to die in the present.

Another guy in our foursome told us that he is trying to do business with a person/company, but they won’t return his calls.  He is giving up on them and will probably go to another company. I had a person who wanted me to help them, but it appears he really didn’t want my help.  I gave him suggestions, but he really didn’t want them.  Besides, he would not return any communication I sent him. Guess what I did; you are right; I gave up on him.  I found out that he treated others the same; guess what they did with him; you are right; they tooooo just gave up on him.  A friend and I often say—If you and I feel that way than others do toooooo; we aren’t the only two who feel that way (i.e. we don’t have incredible insight). This guy will have an incredible ride in life I would guess. (i.e. his reading on his hard-luck meter will be high). CrazyMarvin says—The thing that might cause him problems is the mental part; once he gets that figured out, he will be fine—or gone a.k.a. on the scrape heap!

I had an early Saturday morning breakfast with an old friend.  We enjoy each other’s company.  Now we have something even more in common, both of our wives have dementia.  ANYWAY, he asked my opinion if he should inter into a new, large business opportunity.  We talked about the pros and cons and why he is thinking about doing this.  I said to him—It sounds like you are greedy—his eyes got real  big and he sat up erect and said—I am (i.e. and we both laughed)!  He is soooooo real, soooo real; that is one of the reasons I like him soooo much.

LuckieEddie says--People ask me--What are you depressed about? You can buy anything you want. I wish everyone in the world was rich so they would realize money isn’t everything. Soooo is LuckieEddie really lucky?  I know rich folks who are happy and who are miserable; I know folks who aren’t rich who are happy and those who are miserable.  There must be more toooo it than money, but folks sure spend a lot of effort to get rich.  Why is that do you think?  That is what I thought. 

I have a male friend who is a realsmartperson that will not read self-help books; he says they are all the same.  I have another friend who is a realsmartperson who says that most books you only have to read the first 50 to 100 pages of a book; the rest is just filler.  Again, both of these friends are male; I don’t know if that makes any difference but…!  ANYWAY, I listened to a couple of chapters of the audio book Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollins (i.e. I downloaded it to my iPhone and listened to it on Bluetooth in the car—worked good for me).  One of the home care providers for Arlene said she was going to read it, so I thought I would tooooo.  It’s quite a popular book soooo I goggled it.  Rachel Hollins is a 34 year old blogger and entrepreneur who tries to help women (i.e. says she has a tribe of over a million followers).  The book is written to women (i.e. targeting women maybe 20 to 50 would be my guess).  After a couple of chapters I knew it wasn’t for me (i.e. she says this book is for women—that is her target).  ANYWAY, I researched it a little and found out the about ¾ of all self-help books are read by women, but women read about 65% of all books.  Now that is interesting to me (i.e. I think many of the greatest guys read books and have always).  I wonder if that is the reason that it seems that more women go to church and believe than men.  You think soooo?  Maybe guys are different than women; just maybe! I have no idea.  What do you think? Do you think guys drink more beer than women? 

I emailed a friend and was wondering how big their new bean head was—it looks massive huge—I also wondered how that can stay even when the ground is uneven with it being soooo large.  His response--It's a 45 foot flexible drapper head that has overlapping seams on the cutting section approximately every 12 inches that allows in to flex and follow the contour of the ground. That is incredible to me. 

Friends communicated this to me—erv, you have a great life....not an easy life, but a great life.  Think about that folks.  I admit and have told many of you that exact statement.  For the most part, I know that (i.e. there are days and moments that I don’t feel that way).  I think this has to do with perspective.  Compared to what and “what ifs.”  And comparing is soooooo hard on folks; we many times thing we should have it better compared to others.  I really think if a person can maintain some strong flavor of peace in their life, life is sooooooo much better (i.e. my opinion). Saturday question--Where do you find the greatest flavor of peace?  Are you at peace?  MissPerfect says--I just try to buy something better than w!hat my friends have; I have peace until they go shopping and out do me again.  Man-O-Man! GeorgeTheCrook says--Envy of the neighbor is a powerful tool!

It was an incredible ride.  I talked to some ladies/friends who were drinking coffee at a table after church Sunday.  They just made me LOL.  They were talking that they don’t know what to believe of the women who accuse men of sexually assaulting them.  They don’t know what to think or believe.  One said she did some bad stuff when she was a teenager—I can’t believe you would ever do anything bad—believe me I did; real bad stuff. Another gal who grew up with her said—you weren’t that bad—I was bad.  She never did convince herself nor did I or the other gals convince her that she was not that bad.  Soooo what is bad?  Did you ever do anything bad as a teenager. 

At pickleball the other morning, one of our opponents said after she miss-hit a shot—why did I hit it (i.e. meaning she thought it was going to be long and out of bounds).  She is a fun gal to play with and we kid her some.  I said—I have no idea; are you talking in some code?  My partner (i.e. a male) said—Us guys can’t figure you gals out what you are saying.  He was kidding her I think.  I for once kept my mouth shut.  I thought no matter what I said would not be good! Yay yay for me for once.  Sooooo at church Sunday, I was visiting with a friend who is maybe 80 who is a real person with a good heart; my kind of person.  She said—I put my foot in my mouth a lot; I don’t mean toooooo but just do.  She made me laugh.  Soooo I called her and asked her how old she was (i.e. never suppose to do that to a woman)?  She said she was 80.  She was diagnosed with a blood disease 20 years ago and the doctors told her she would live maybe 10 years; she is still doing well after 20 years (i.e. she says she has lived a quality life). Yes, she has had an incredible ride. Sooooo I asked her how this makes her feel—blessed! LAUS DEO

Arlene and I stopped and talked to The Pumpkin/Mum Lady recently at her road-side market.  We didn’t need any more pumpkins or mums, but she had such a neat display (i.e. Arlene has always liked this stuff).  I didn’t expect this to be such a great time a.k.a. incredible ride.  The Pumpkin/Mum Lady (i.e. grandma of 8) told me that she and her husband are landscapers. She said--I have a degree in Landscape Design and he does the work; that is way it’s suppose to be but I push the wheel barrow more than I want—You make your total living but doing this—yes, we aren’t rich but we can pay for our groceries; I told my husband when we got married that money isn’t that important to me but I would like to have enough soooo we don’t have to worry if we have enough money to pay for our groceries. You seem soooo happy; are you a believer—sure am; I don’t know what I would do without God; I get out of whack sometimes and then realize that I’m trying to do it my way; it never works.  You are a good person; I wish you would tell my husband that ha ha—I try but I’m not always great let me tell ya!

Here is your Saturday tip—I was leaving pickleball the other morning and soooo was a friend.  I asked her why she was leaving soooo early—entertaining tonight; got to get ready; got to clean the house—I thought you told me once that you don’t enjoy cleaning the house—I don’t and I don’t do a very good job; sometimes I just leave the vacuum out soooo the folks think I’m not done yet! A guy who was part of the conversation said—I tell folks that we're in construction. They just made me laugh. But both of these folks like to play pickleball!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--The greatest happiness of life is the conviction, that we are loved.

peep peep

MissPerfect (i.e. who has a whole lot going for her) says--The collection of wise words with actionable advice and real-world relevance from many you folks could truly shift the thinking of the next generation. Unfortunately, you probably won’t find such things in his “It’s Saturday.”  You every notice that when you are paying someone by the hour, they aren’t near as much in a hurry as when you pay a flat fee.  And if they are doing it for no pay, they sometimes don’t want to do it or don’t use their A-Game (i.e. don’t give you all the good stuff as that takes more time; they give you just enough to get by and get down the road (i.e. kick the can down the street)—peep peep). Such is life.

You and I are born with talents.  Yes, we are.  Some have more, and some are different but we all have talent.  The key is not having the talents but how we use them. Many folks have huge massive amount but never use them at all or just a little bit of them. Why is that do you think?  It seems like such a waste.  I would rather be around someone who uses their talents even if they are not the most talented (i.e. maximize their talents) instead of being around folks who have great talents but just sit on the couch and eat chips (i.e. these folks drive me crazy).  I like over-achievers instead of under-achievers (i.e. they are sooooo much more fun to be around)..  Does this make any sense to you guys?  That is what I thought.  There are franchise QBs who can take a hit and there are arm chair QBs who just talk a lot!  Such is life.  Peep peep!

A friend was telling me a story about his late Dad.  He spoke highly of his Dad as how focused he was, comfortable in his own skin, sorta kinda low key, and happy with himself.  His father was 80 and they were going to a baseball game together.  His dad was slouched over leaning against the door.  He said to him—Why don’t you sit up straight?  His father replied—I think I’m old enough to decide how I want to sit.  No more discussion.  Think through that folks. 

Another friend who is 90 years old told me this story about herself.  She hasn’t slept very well the last couple of nights—how come—I worry and dream about the tire going flat on my car; I worry that I will go on the road and it will go flat and I will really be in a pickle; no one will stop and help me—why do you think it will go flat—my son was here and he always checks the pressure in the tires and he said he thought it had a slow leak; I have checked it every day in the garage and it doesn’t go down soooo I think it’s ok but I still worry about it.  I would be happy to take to the garage and have it checked if it would make you sleep better.  No no, I will get over it.  My son should have never said that to me!  He got in her head and he didn’t even know ii.  I had an opportunity to really get in a person’s head the other day.  This guy is a very egotistical person (i.e. not my favorite person). ANYWAY, I saw him in a business and he said something egotistical to me and I had just the right “zinger” to really sting him (i.e. a statement that wasn’t direct but would really get in his head—maybe—egoistical folks don’t get it usually soooo maybe not), Well, I didn’t do it.  I patted myself on the back for not doing it (i.e. I was egotistical—ha ha). Peep peep! 

In the Douglas-Lincoln debates, Lincoln said--A house divided cannot stand.  Peep peep!  Then Lincoln sad—If it’s not settled by a joint solution, it will be settled by the sword.  Peep peep!  The slavery dispute was settled by the sword. Peep peep. CrazyMarvin says—History has a lot of disputes that were settled by the sword; it seems crazy but that is history; and history just continues to be made with the sword.  WorldClassLarry (i.e. a lead dog) says--No matter what uncertainty the future holds for the global economic climate, “being valuable to others” will never be obsolete, irrelevant, or valueless. Saturday question—Are you “valuable to others?” 

ItchieBitchie (i.e. who is an over achiever) says--The Second Law of Thermodynamics says that a system’s energy gradually decreases, resulting in disorder or randomness—a state called entropy. Over time, entropy (disorder) increases in any closed system without new infusions of energy. Everything tends toward a state of disorder over time. ItchieBitchie, I think that is correct.  It is hard to maintain enthusiasm in many organizations.  People seem to lose their energy, enthusiasm, desire, motivation, etc. and just putter out.  Quite often if new folks don’t come in or a new motivator doesn’t step up, the group/organization is toast (i.e. stick a fork in ‘em, they’re done--a huge massive nose dive).  Such is life. 

A friend (i.e. a regular ATM machine) gave me this book to read; it was given to him by a former boss.  I read it and here is our conversation about the book by text (i.e. shared with permission)—I just finished Option B—Was it worth the read?  You won’t hurt my feelings if you say you hated it-- It was a lot about what I heard before but more from Sheryl Sandberg’s perspective and her opinions. I did learn to be more compassionate and caring but I learned that not everyone responds the same. A person can do their best and it will be misunderstood. A lot of different emotions and mental health of folks. Not a 100% perfect way. I learned or relearned that the #1 thing is letting a person know that you care about them; simple!--Agreed. Definitely from Sheryl Sandberg’s perspective and her opinions. I naturally don’t engage others on difficult topics so it was a good reminder for me to force myself to engage even if it’s uncomfortable. Also just recognizing that option a isn’t available for me sometimes is half the battle of moving on. Peep peep!

JoeBlow (i.e. who is border line reckless) says--Opinions are not facts, no matter how loudly stated or who says them.  To be open minded, a person probably needs tooooooo not over react over opinions and look at all sides (i.e. many folks don’t and become radicals—my opinion—ha ha). It appears that many folks who are radicals, talk loud and often (i.e. have big mouths and speak often; even think they know everything but in reality, they seem to have a small mind).  Now that is my opinion.  But what do I know about opinions and radicals, I’m just a little old farm boy from a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN.

At breakfast with a friend the other day, he told me what a fellow employee said often at his first job many years ago.  Here it is-- People don't care how much you know but they want to know how much you care.  I really think that is true; folks want to know that you care about them.  It can be a very simple thing, but it is very important.  Believe me, I know!  Some of you folks are just amazing, amazing! I read this in the paper, soooo it must be right—Don’t be soooo caught up in your own day that you cannot see someone else tomorrow.  Saturday question—Do we really care about others or just our self?

I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--Some people create a god to fit their lifestyle, but this is simply modern-day idolatry. If money is our god, we’ll become materialistic. If it’s pleasure, we’ll become hedonistic. If it’s ego, we’ll be narcissistic. Psalm 135:18 says those who make idols will become like them. But if we worship the God of the Bible, we’ll imitate Him and by the power of the Spirit be transformed into His image, from one degree of glory to another. TheGuyDownTheStreet (i.e. who uses modern Xs and Os) says--Great men never think they are great; small men never think they are small. This guy also said--”Spend time with the wise and you will become wise, but the friends of fools will suffer” (Proverbs 13:20 NCV). If you want to soar with the eagles, you can’t run with the turkeys.

A friend (i.e. who seems top-notch) shared this about herself with me--Regardless of gender....I am drawn to people who try to read or listen to the Bible regularly; if they see a problem, try to fix it; if they see a wrong, try to right it; suggest solutions instead of complaining; try to be a positive contributor to society (in other words, a producer), not just a parasite (user only). AverageJoe (i.e. who is sorta kinda an odd ball) says--It’s not hard to be average, no it ain’t.  It’s even easier to be below average.  BUT to be above average, now that takes some work.  And to be excellent, now that takes a lot of work. Most prefer to be just average (i.e. sit on the couch and eat chips)!  Suck it up cupcake and let’s get going. Peep peep!

 “When we are no longer able to change a situation,” psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl observed, “we are challenged to change ourselves.”  When we get to that point, then we are maturing (i.e. my opinion). I guess that would be Option B!

Peep peep! Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge smashed the marathon world record by clocking a time of two hours one minute 39 seconds in Berlin.  That is 4:38/mile for 26.2 miles. That is crazy. Peep peep!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Just because you are angry doesn’t mean you have to live in a rage.

nuttiness

AuntieTina  (i.e. who is a hype builder) says--This “It’s Saturday” is not a fable but it could be!  I think erv might have exaggerated and embellished some stuff but basically, I think he is telling the truth!  You be the judge!  AverageJoe says—The truth is in the head of the beholder and you are the beholder.

WorldClassLarry (i.e. who has an interesting past environment) says—Many times we look with our eyes but see with our minds and understanding.—many times those two are completely different.  Now that is nuttiness folks, just plain nuttiness.  Soooo why is that do you think? Onesmartfriend says—It’s because of genetics and environment but mainly our past and current environment—that is not that hard to figure out (i.e. not rocket science).

Arlene and I ate lunch at Hong Kong the other day.  Arlene doesn’t like Chinese food, but she is soooo nice and ate it soooo I could enjoy it and did it without any complaints.  I asked her how she liked it—she shock her hand sideways.  My fortunate cookie said—When in doubt, mumble.  Are you ready for some mumbling!!!!

Some of you will think this is real nuttiness and others will think it’s ingenious!  The monitor of my lap top needs to be replaced. My geek ordered it but gave me an external monitor to use until it comes.  The large monitor doesn’t fit on my lap very well.  I multi-task while watching Monday night football sooo I had to be ingenious.  Bingo!

Jessica put this on Facebook that made me laugh--Henry's (i.e. a kindergartener who I call Rookie) career plan: "I'm going to be a paleontologist. If they fire me I'll be a scuba diver. If they fire me I'll be a police. If they fire me I'll be an electrician. If they fire me I guess I'll just be a normal office worker.” Someone responded—That was my path, he’s way ahead of the game. In reality, he was just mumbling (i.e. a lot of nuttiness).

I was up town Aplington or was it down town Aplington; I really don’t know!  ANYWAY, a friend in her golf cart stopped and talked to me.  She pointed to a lady who lives down the street or is it up the street and says—She is different—really; I don’t know her—and her daughter is tooo!  We might be somewhat like our parents or a lot like our parents (I e. but not always).  Some children are very much like their parents and some are just the opposite, it appears.  It’s nuttiness why that is.  Even in the same family, some kids are like their parents and some are not.  Soooooo are you like your parents?  How come? DorkieDork says—It’s not fair to paint everybody from the same family with the same paint brush!  It just ain’t! It’s nuttiness to do that.

This is nuttiness!  I did an experiment at our church recently.  I have decided to take Arlene to church even if it makes many folks at church uncomfortable (i.e. I don’t know who is the nut, me or them).  ANYWAY, after the church service, I left Alene sit and I went away.  I wanted to see how others of the church would handle that.  Quite a mixture of reactions. Here are two ends of the spectrum.  Some ignored her, and others spent time with her.  One person said—we just don’t know how to act around her or what to say (i.e. soooo they do nuttin).  Da!  Here is a suggestion—To many of you, a person’s disability seems like an elephant in the room. As a person without disabilities, many find themselves tiptoeing around the issue, to gloss over the fact that their body or mind operates differently. However, I suggest you talk to them and their caregiver about their handicap (i.e. they realize that they have it and they handle it better than you do). Treat it and talk about it matter-of-fackly with them. Maybe, just maybe, your reticence is actually your own discomfort with weakness (i.e. you got a problem). MissPerfect says—erv, you are nutty; I just don’t like to be around folks with Alzheimer’s so don’t try to change me. Or as a friend told me—I think many folks don’t like to be around folks with Alzheimer’s as it reminds them that they might get is some day and that scares them! 

This is nuttiness but…. In our foursome recently, one friend (i.e. -65) said he got the new Shingrix shingles vaccination.  He got it done at a pharmacy and it didn’t cost him anything.  Another friend said his wife (i.e. 65+) got it toooo at the doctor’s office and it cost her $195.  We had our physicals and I asked our doctor about this.  Here is some information I found out that might help you.  65+ is paid with courage D of Medicare (i.e. your drug plan)—call your company as there might be preferred providers and standard providers and your doctor’s office (i.e. big difference in price possibility).  Also, each company has different policies with different coverages (i.e. depends what coverage you bought). Also, you might have a deductible and co-pay.  Your company can tell you exactly what is the cheapest place to get the vaccination and what it will cost you.  You under 65, do the same. 

I think there is a song that goes like this—I love you a bushel and peck and a  hug around your neck. Our niece, Lauren, and her husband, Dallas (i.e. very peachy—real folks with good; hearts: my kind of folks), from MI stopped and saw us.  They were soooo loving to Arlene. Sooooo kind. They also gave us a ½ peck of fresh MI peaches (i.e. ANYWAY, that is what it says on the bag). We reminisced about soooo much stuff and laughed soooooo hard about past family situations (e.g. we went to Spencer for many years and I played in the NW Open Golf Tourney—maybe 40 years ago, Arlene was to drive their second car, a VW Beetle, to the golf course with all the kids—it was a straight stick and she didn’t know how to shift it; Soooo Arlene drove and 10 to 14 year old Lauren did the shifting). What a hoot! ANYWAY, here is another tip—Dallas got hearing aids (i.e. they research everything very thoroughly) and told me that the best place to buy them is at Costco (i.e. about half price) and the batteries are 5x cheaper).  Maybe give them a look if shopping for hearing aids.  Maybe!  Dallas is 99% right but remember that 1% of the time he ain’t. ha ha If you are wondering what the envelope is all about; well, Dallas and Lauren stopped to see us some 25 years ago on a hot, humid summer day: it must have been about 100 degrees and the humidity was about the same.  They got out of the car and their hair was mated to their heads, sweat was dripping from their chins and their clothes were soaked.  I asked them why they didn't run the air.  They said they were saving money.  Soooo when they left, I gave them $5 sooooo they could use the air.  The envelope had $5 in it for in case it got hot!

This is nuttiness!  I have walked by a guy’s house for maybe 8 years but never talked to him.  I just waved occasionally when he was out.  Well, the other day, he was out working on his utility trailer soooo I stopped and talked to him.  I know him by name and maybe he knows me; at least sees me walking by. We had a great talk.  I asked him about his Harley—It’s a 06 and I have put about 1,000 miles on it; now it’s more just a self.  He also has a nice camper and a nice boat.  He says he doesn’t use them either.  I asked why he doesn’t sell them—you sound like my dad; he always has advice for me and we don’t seem to agree on much of anything—do you guys get along—ya, we talk every day by phone; I call him on the way from work or he calls me; I still don’t agree with him. I like this guy. He was soooo real. 

Sad news from Minnesota! The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 75. Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies and Captain Crunch. The grave site was piled high with many flours. Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Born and bread in Minnesota, Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times, he still was a crusty old man and was considered a positive roll model for millions. Doughboy is survived by his wife Play Dough, three children: John Dough, Jane Dough and Dosey Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart. The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.

SusieQ says--It's a dog-eat-dog world! I have a friend who is in his 40s and has been successful in the corporate world.  He doesn’t like the politics that sometimes are in the corporate world.  He has never bowed down and done it but has told me recently that he has been taken advantage of and he might change his opinion some.  I talked to a friend who worked in the corporate world all his business days about this.  He told me that when you get to 55+ this changes; there isn’t near as much.  He also said that a poor manager makes life miserable for everyone; but there are many many goof folks who don’t play games but there are some.  He said he spent a lot of time watching his back side (i.e. being in compliance).  Another friend who is a retired pilot of the corporate jet told me that middle management can not always be very nice folks (i.e. would do anything to climb the latter) but upper management seemed very nice.  Both of these guys, I would guess, always did it the right way and were as square as square could be (i.e. that is how I know them and both appear to be very successful). GeorgeTheCrook says—The corporate world can be nutty!  It’s all about the money and power.  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—A man never so beautifully shows his own strength, as when he respects another’s weakness.

P.S.  Below is a podcast with a friend, Speed Limburg.  Folks ask me what is a podcast?  It’s basically a conversation with a person (i.e. audio and not a video).  How do I listen to it? Just click on the arrow and, bingo, you listen to it.  It doesn’t eat up a lot of your usage data and you can stop it any time by just clicking it again.  Mikie, try it, you might like it!

aye yai yai

I read this statement in the paper soooo it must be right--History is littered with the names of people who rose and fell, who lived and died.  I find that statement interesting.  Those folks could have be at a low level of society or at the high level of society.  I had a friend years ago who seemed to be on the top of the world in most every way.  One day he told me that he really didn’t have any friends; no one really liked him.  I felt bad for him.  I tried to analyze why he felt that way and I think I know why but not for sure, but probably.  Aye yai yai!

CadillacJack says--The billionaire looking at his brand-new 110m yacht is not a tad happier than the millionaire with his 25m yacht.  I don’t think I know any billionaires but maybe I do but I just don’t know it.  I know many millionaires.  You do toooo.  It isn’t very uncommon anymore.  I know millionaires who are pretty much incognito.  They seem very happy to me (i.e. my opinion). I also know folks who try to act like millionaires but aren’t (i.e. they don’t seem happy to me).  Even in our little town, there are some of each.  It appears that anybody who acts other than what they are, are not very happy.  I know many folks who are real no matter what their situation is and seem very happy. Some of you will say aye yai yai!

WorldClassLarry (i.e.who seems to be a very happy person)  says--Like everybody else, I love a good deal. My wife likes deals too, although we tend to disagree with what constitutes “a deal”. To be fair, she thinks some of the things I like to spend money on are ridiculous too. The problem with any deal, however, is no matter what you buy, you’re exchanging your hard-earned dollars for a good or service, making you that much poorer in the process. AverageJoe says—It is soooo hard to fathom that overspending might be the problem. 

Recently I rode in a buddy/friend’s golf cart with him.  I said to him—I thought you would have a new golf cart today (i.e. he has been talking about buying a new cart for some time).  He said—I don’t know if I’m going to buy a new cart or quite golf!  He just made me laugh.  This guy is soooo real.  But I think we all sometimes think that way; one end of the spectrum and then the other end almost at the same time.  Why?  It must be our emotions. Folks always don’t do what they say.  I tell you what, I have to laugh at myself sometimes.  In fact, I laugh at myself a lot. That's erv!

The other day a friend was parking his Harley in front of the bank.  I noticed that he got off his bike on the right side. What!  I have never seen anyone do that before (i.e. weird).  Sooooo I walked over to him and asked him why he did that.  He didn’t know for sure, but it felt good and he has always done it.  He also said—I’m from Austinville (i.e. a little village of maybe 50 down the road); maybe that’s the reason.  ha ha   Soooooo maybe folks from Davenport are different that folks from Austinville. Maybe folks from Louisiana are different than folks from North Dakota. And maybe folks from Minnesota are different that folks from New Jersey.  Maybe he is right—the reason is that he is from Austinville. Ayi yai yai

BlowhardFlow (i.e. who seems to be in a different world) likes to say a lot of stuff on social media.  I read it in the paper soooooo it must be right that about 75% of employers check on social media about what a potential employee’s posts.  Think about that folks.  Would you hire yourself if you read “open mindedly” what you post on social media?  Ayi yai yai! SusieQ says—I think I probably should not post some of the stuff I do!  I think that would be a good idea SusieQ; instead just tell your dog how you feel or think.  It will get about the same results; probably even better! I have a friend (i.e. who is highly educated and has a executive job) tell me that he pays no attention to political news (i.e. he can't do anything about it and all it does is stirs me up). It's his (i.e. care not policy). SusieQ, that is probably how much others care about what you think!

Labor Day morning was a foggy, drizzly, quiet morning (i.e. I enjoy such mornings occasionally).  I sat in the sun porch drinking my coffee, mediating and praying (i.e. a good time for me).  I mediated on this verse--Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the Lord (i.e. meaning in awe of God) is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."  GeorgeTheCrook says--It's better to have wisdom than money.  Because if you don't have wisdom, you won't keep your money.  If you have wisdom, you can get more money!  Sounds good GeorgeTheCrook; just a different way of looking at wisdom. Aye yai yai!

ItchieBitchie (i.e. who seems to live in the positive) says—Life seems to have good and bad in it; it seems like that is normal for everyone.  Some days are just better; some years are just better; some periods of life are just better.  I think you are right ItchieBitchie; it’s just the way life is I think. Ayi yai yai!  In his book, Here and Now, author Henri Nouwen, a foremost exponent of spirituality during the last century, reminds us that the episodes of life alternate, having a natural ebb and flow: joy and sadness; success and failure; health and illness; similar to the seasons of a calendar year. The Bible can tell us much about these seasons. Soooo folks, don’t be surprised when it happens.  It happens! Such is life.

I asked a friend how many folks he supervises—about 20—you ever put pressure on them—sure (i.e. he said sorta kinda nonchalantly)—does your boss ever put pressure on you—ARE YOU KIDDING ME! (i.e. he threw up his arms and got really animated; sorta kinda out of character; he made me laugh)!  I did an experiment recently where I applied pressure on some folks, but they didn’t know I did it on purpose.  I made them feel uncomfortable (i.e. some a lot and some just a little) and observed.  Most folks don’t like pressure, and all folks react differently to pressure.  What did I learn?  I learned that most seemed uncomfortable and won’t let themselves get in that situation again. (i.e. will go in the closet and hide).  They will stay away from it even though they didn’t know I manipulated them. Some were really nervous.  

Whoopie Ti Yi Yo! I learned how to deposit checks using the app on my phone by taking pictures.  They show it all the time on TV!  I really didn’t need to use it but I wanted to learn.  It’s as easy as blowin’ my nose.  Learn to do it folks; it’s fun to do and fun to learn. Learning is soooo much fun and also soooo good for a person (i.e. very stimulating—at least to me it is).  Moving forward is exciting.  And guess what folks, each one of you is in charge of your attitude.  This learning how to make deposits with my phone reminded me of this little song I leaned as a kid—Whoopee ti yi yo, get along little dogies It’s your misfortune ain’t none of my own…!  Soooooo those little dogies had no choice as their new home was going to be Wyoming.  But all of you have choices, many!  It’s up to you if you want to learn something new or just do the same old stuff (i.e. just sit on the couch and eat chips).  It’s your attitude.  And guess who is in charge of your attitude.  You are right. Aye yai yai!

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

erv

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

I think

I have been thinking and I think that maybe what I think is important is not the same as your thinking as to what is important.  I’m thinking that you are probably right, and my thinking is probably wrong (i.e. or at least could be).  What do you think?  That is what I thought. 

JoeBlow (i.e. a real luminary) says--How I spend my money compared to you might be different. How I spend my time compared to you might be different.  What excites me might not excite you at all. What I think is funny, you might not! I find that very interesting.  I think we are different. Well, row row your boat! I got an email from a pickleball buddy (i.e. a good guy with a good heart) and this was part of it-- I just want to tell you how much I enjoy your message, even though I don't get everything all the time. ( I am a little thick headed sometimes).  This guy is not thick headed; it's just that I'm a poor writer.  "That's just the way it is" as a golf friend says (i.e. this guy is really good at backing up the truck)! Mark Twain said--“Some men worship rank, some worship heroes, some worship power, some worship God, and over these ideals they dispute and cannot unite – but they all worship money.”

I think I am right in my thinking (i.e. I think I'm throwing strikes).  I was around a friend recently.  She was exceptionally charming this day.  Why, I have no idea.  Do you think it’s proper for me to tell her that?  In the world we live in nowadays, a guy can get into trouble pretty easy with comments like that.  It’s toooo bad that we can’t compliment folks without thinking this way (i.e. my opinion). I think it’s nice if I would tell her that. But I haven’t yet!  Maybe never will.  I think I won’t, but I might but probably won’t (i.e. too risky but I do take risk). What do you think?  That is what I thought.

The other day, the other guys in our foursome were talking about some guys they played with in a recent tournament.  These guys play at a local golf course. They seem to really have a good time at this course (i.e. not a typical course it appears).  Many of the guys go bare back and they all seem to drink a lot of beer.  They really seem to have a good time.  ANYWAY, these guys playing with them in the tournament went bare back at their course.  My friend said—It’s not sooo bad if a guy has a rather good physique and tanned. BUT one of these guys was obese, lily white and could have used a bra!  He went on to say--Pretty bad looking; someone, I think, should tell him; but not me! IckieVickie says--Just when you thought you've seen it all; you hadn't seen nuttin!

A friend told me this story (i.e. It really doesn't mean much but)!  He was at a continuing education class about “hiring practises.”  The speaker used this as his opening ice breaker—I have hired ugly folks, attractive folks, slim folks, obese folks, neat folks, dorky folks, intelligent folks and dumb folks.  BUT I have decided that pretty gals are a lot more fun to be around soooooo now I just hire pretty gals!  They booed him!  I don’t know if he was joking or not but…! This same friend told me that he was at another continuing education class and sat in the front row.  The speaker seeing his name tag before the class started came over to him and shock his hand and said—It’s soooo good to meet your Mr. XXX!  My friend thought he was really important and got sorta kinda puffed up.  Then the speaker said—In a previous class, some gals from your office were here and after class they took me out and we had such a good time; they are wild! 

I think it''s a great experience for anyone but especially for children.   It gives their parents an opportunity to explain to them about the disease, about giving, and about caring for others.  Our son and daughter-in-law formed a Team Mellema.  Thanks to some of you (i.e. my thank you to you), they raised a nice little chunk of change for the Alzheimer’s Association.  It was a good experience for all of us.  I recently was asked to do a talk at our church about Alzheimer’s but didn’t accept the invitation.  Here is my reason: Most folks really don’t want to hear more about Alzheimer’s; it is soooo negative and discouraging and depressing.  They have heard enough about all the misery related to it.  At this gathering that I would have spoken at, the guys would much rather talk about pickups, football, or how to make more money; not about Alzheimer’s.  When we were on the Alzheimer’s walk, I said to Chet—It would be interesting to hear all the folks’ stories that are walking about their Alzheimer’s experience.  He said to me—Dad, I would guess that most of the stories are about the same (i.e. same misery and the same ending). 

I recently was around two acquaintances, one male and one female. I haven’t seen them for maybe a year.  They were always slim and attractive.  BUT now, they both have a roll of fat around their bellies.  Someone aught to tell them that it’s not attractive.  Not me, oh no, I think not me. You can do that! MissPerfect says--That is what we hire a pastor for!

I think he does but doesn't recognize it or doesn't want to admit it (i.e. maybe and maybe not--I don't know).  BigPete was my pickleball mentor.  He was always frustrated why folks didn't want to try to get better.  Sooooo  I wanted to send him something about this subject but needed his land mail address.  Our email conversation went like this--How is your life going? I plan to use what you said to me in a future talk. Yes I am. Your comment about that you can’t understand why folks don’t want to get better. My talk is about motivation. ANYWAY, I would like to send you something and would like your land address. intheneterv  ~  Hi Erv. Funny you should ask... been in Emergency for past 2 days.. severe abdomen pain.  Worst pain ever endured.. In this case I WANT  to get better! p.  ~  Ouchy ouchy! I hope you have a big fart and it goes away! I will pray to the God I believe in that all will be ok. I care about you Big Pete! (i.e. Big Pete claims he doesn't believe in God; he has a good heart and is a good person; I think he does).

It was U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt who said in his first inaugural address, in 1933, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself." If I had been alive then, I think I would might have been tempted to respond, "Oh, yeah? That's easy for you to say!" Roosevelt had a point, however, because fear can be a powerful, paralyzing emotion, preventing us from doing - or even attempting - promising opportunities. And it appears that the fear of failure is very powerful.  Soooooo many folks won’t try anything new.  Don’t want to experience the emotions of failure. Do you think you are one of those who are this way? That is what I thought.

I think--If I do not try, failure is guaranteed. I find myself more capable than I give myself credit.  I usually can complete more stuff and bigger stuff that I think I can even in areas that I’m not real talented in or have much knowledge.  I usually can figure it out; sometimes with the help of others (i.e. you guys or YouTube).  And when I do, it’s such a great feeling.  Like a friend told me recently—It might take me a day to do a 2-hour job, but I get it done (i.e. and if I don’t get it done today there is tomorrow or the next day or the day after that).  Hey, I’m retired, time means nuttin to me.  ha ha

I think there are a lot of tough issues in many folks’ life (i.e. here is a "how ya do!).  Folks in our support group of caregivers for dementia spouses had some concerns about the cost of care facilities.  I called three local care facilities.  Current costs range from $65,000 to $110,595 a year (i.e. in the metro even more). That is a lot of money for most folk.  Title 19 (i.e. that is another ball of wax) does provide some care for folks who don’t have any money.  I’m not an expert on this but there are facilities available for folks who have no assets left.  GeorgeTheCrook says—Maybe the old saying, “you have to have a lot of money or no money” might be right.  I think I don’t have the answer to this problem.  Maybe I do—Don’t get dementia or let your spouse get the disease.  That will work!

I think I have met a person who is much like many of you folks (i.e. entrepreneurs--always excited).  He mows lawns and does snow removal.  He is upgrading his snow thrower.  He talked to me about his old snow thrower he has on Craigslist.  He is amazing.  He is 12 years old but seems way older.  His mom told me that he is just a regular entrepreneur.  This young man reminded me of myself.  I started when I was about his age raising ducks and geese from eggs and using cluck hens (i.e. I bet many of you don’t know what cluck hens are).  I hired my little kid sister to help me (i.e. she said I paid her well: I don’t remember that).  Then I added raising fryers and sold them live on a little cage I made on my little kid sister’s bike to folks in Roseland (i.e. a mile and a fouth north of the farm).  Some folks wanted them butchered soooo I had my Mom, Anna a.k.a. the magic lady to me, teach me (i.e. she did most of the work—she could do it and could do most anything and everything).  Then I did..then…then…then…!  My Daddy, Chester, was sorta kinda an entrepreneur in his own way (i.e. he started with nuttin and got a farm paid for and supported a family).  He had a lot of ideas, but some weren’t as good as others (i.e. like many of my ideas).  Hey, I gave this kid some “seed money.” He impressed me; he doesn’t have a golden spoon in his mouth. What a fun and great experience for me and hopefully for him.   

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.