going forward

Hypothesis:  CadillacJack a.k.a. the king of controversy says—It’s a lot easier to give advice than to take it.  It appears that is a true statement.  Many folks give advice but don’t live their lives by the advice they give (i.e. they sorta kinda make me laugh—like wearing a big cowboy hat but own no cattle!).  Sooo if you think I’m giving advice in any way in this “It’s Saturday”, I suggest you don’t pay any attention to it; I suggest you listen to paid TV late at night; they know all the answers and can fix anything for $19.99. But if you have 5 minutes, read on (i.e. you are guaranteed to double the amount of money that you paid for this “It’s Saturday” within a week with a money back guarantee—now that is a deal)!

Arlene’s beautician just makes Arlene soooo happy when she has her hair done (i.e. she seems amazing).  I have no idea what goes on there!  ha ha!  Arlene’s home care provider makes Arlene feel the same (i.e. she toooooo is amazing). She says—I think it’s the chemicals in the hair dye!  Now that could be!  Such is life.

My life has changed through the years (i.e. super massive changes in soooo many ways).  I assume yours has tooooo (i.e. how can it not).  I would guess that it will change more in the future, but I really don’t know exactly how.  I will not be surprised.  I really try to enjoy every minute of my life; even parts of it that aren’t sooooo enjoyable.  I’m actually pretty good at it if I don’t compare myself to others who seem to have the world by the tail (i.e. many of you guys, the Jones, who have the life of Riley).  Actually, at times I’m very happy being alone with no outside stimuli (i.e. you might think I’m crazy).  Does that make any sense toooo some of you guys?  That is what I thought.  Warren Buffet’s 5/25 Rule—Make a list of 25 things you want to do in life. Now do the top 5. And NEVER THING ABOUT THE OTHER 20 AGAIN! Else they will take time away from the 5 that are most important to you. 

I sent some of our nieces and nephews and grand kids a 34 second video about being unique. I asked a friend if he thought I was unique or wacko or both for doing that.  He is a unique guy soooo I don’t know for sure if he gave me a complete honest answer! ha ha  Com’on folks, we are all unique; there are none of us the same.  Our DNAs are all different and absolutely none of us think alike because of our genetics and our past environment.  We are all different.  I think that is a fact.  Are you exactly like your siblings, your parents, you spouse, your neighbor etc.?  Of course, you aren’t; in some cases, we say—Thank God! Soooo I asked my friend this question that I was contemplating the morning I sent him that email—How do I know if God is talking to me or satin?  CrazyMarvin says—Now that is “looking forward” but erv, I have no idea why you even think about such things; you are both unique and wacko; no question!  CrazyMarvin, I think that is a very important question; see, you and I completely disagree.  I find that “oh, soooo interesting.”  Yes, I do! 

WorldClassLarry, who is brilliant with the scramble, (i.e. is as good as Fran Tarkington was) says--You don’t just drift into good things. You must be intentional. You have to set some goals and then commit to working toward them every day. I read this in the paper soooo it must be right (i.e. it’s about church)—I have been surrounded by people who actually like me, even when I have been unlikeable. They have called me a brother, and most actually have meant it. I have been taught that there is a God of the universe, who, even though it is inconceivable, still knows me personally and, in spite of all, loves me. Some of you will say—That is questionable at best; I don’t know if I believe it.  It was actually written by a professor at a state university; now that is amazing to me. Susan Rice, a former United States ambassador to the United Nations, said during a 2010 commencement speech at Stanford University, “Once you’ve learned to study in a bathing suit on the grass with muscled men throwing frisbees over your head, you can accomplish almost anything.”

Primo Levi, the Italian chemist who authored two books about his experiences as a concentration camp survivor, wrote, “The aims of life are the best defense against death.”  Think about that folks!

Big honchos don’t take advice from folks who “usually get it wrong.”  No they don’t.  If they do, well they don’t stay big honchos very long. Do you know any big honchos?  LuckieEddie (i.e. who uses 110% of his ability at times) says—I seem to get a lot luckier when I surround myself with “big honchoes”.  The key is deciding who are the ‘big honchos.”  And really that isn’t hard to do if we really want toooooo be open minded.  But sometimes the folks who think they are the “big honchos” aren’t really the “big honchos”; they just drive big pickups but don’t have them paid for.  If it is questionable if they are “big honchoes”, stay away from them (i.e. kingpins and shakers); they probably aren’t who you want to pattern your life after (i.e. but it depends what you want your life to be now doesn’t it).  Such is life.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--Jesus was never much to look at. But Jesus was the One. That he was quiet and humble is just part of how God operates. God chooses the weak things of this world to display his glory and so the gospel will always come in humble trappings. The kingdom, the gospel, the Christ himself are quiet, growing like tiny seeds hidden in the soil.

Probably you have read this or a version of this somewhere (i.e. it’s all over the place).  BUT is it really true? Maybe but I don’t know for sure?  Sooooo many times I say one thing or I know certain things but I do just the opposite.  I believe it but I don’t really believe it.  Aren’t I really something else; I just have tooooo laugh at myself; I’m hilarious; I don’t need toooo go tooooo a comedy show!  

My Daddy, Chester, probably was not much different that many of his generation; he started with nuttin (i.e. actually as a teenager he had to live with folks to work for his room and board).  He said to me many times—erv, you got to use your mind to do well in life; maybe better than your hands.  He often told me this story of Henry Ford which I still like today:  Ford was a strong believer of getting value for his dollar.  He also was the first to use an assembly line. A huge massive generator was not working which was causing problems for his assembly line.  His “in house engineers” could not fix it soooo he hired Charles Steinmetz to come in and fix it.  Steinmetz refused any help when he arrived at the factory and only asked for a pad, pencil and cot. He listened to the generator for 2 days and nights and scribbled computations on the pad.  On the 2^nd night, he asked for a ladder and chalk.  Then he climbed up the generator and made a chalk mark on the side.  Then he told Ford’s engineers to remove a plate at the mark and replace 16 windings from the field coil. Then it worked perfectly.  The bill was $10,000. Ford thought it was very excessive and asked for an itemized bill.  Steinmetz wrote him personally: “chalk mark $1 knowing where to make the mark $9,999.” Ford paid the bill.

RuthieSmooth says--When we get a good night’s sleep, we remember good memories a whole lot better and if we don’t get a good night’s sleep, we remember bad memories much more.  It said that the proper amount of sleep can really affect our lives by affecting our attitude and how we look at the world.  I have tooooo admit that it is really true with me; I’m much more positive when I get enough sleep (i.e. and quality sleep).  ItchieBitchie (i.e. who can be spectacular at times) says—We become cowards when we are tired and/or we don’t get enough to eat!  You might be right ItchieBitchie, when I look at children who are tired and hungry, well, they just aren’t much fun to be around.  Such is life.

SusieQ (i.e. who can be as sweet as a cream puff at times) says—Yes, we do need to do as what is written on the box; ya gotta do it or you will struggle with life.  But actually the ingredients of this product aren’t really that good for you as some others.  Soooo think of that as well!  Many folks are born (i.e. actually all are) and live in a house with their parents, then go to college, then get an apartment, then get married and get a starter house, then a bigger house, then get a dream house, and then downsize and get a condo, then move to assisted living and then to a care facility and then it’s all over.  Well, there are variations of the formula for sure.  Some aren’t as pretty as that, but you get the idea.  Things move forward if you like it or not. Such is life.

That is what my mentor said to me many times.  And it does.  While running the other morning I thought about this—Companies, sport teams, churches, colleges, civic organizations etc. bring new folks in to give them a new perspective and new ideas (i.e. they just don’t do it the way the current folks want it done).  That is why many of them are very successful and dynamic (i.e. constantly looking for new talent or attracting new folks). Typically, the seasoned folks don’t have new ideas—some really good ones do.  A friend was recruited for a digital advertising company to be sorta kinda an account manager.  She has experience in managing large corporate accounts.  She had no knowledge in digital advertising.  She is one of the oldest in the company in her early 40s, most are in their 20s.  You figure it out folks.  I am concerned about the future of our church (i.e. and as a friend says, erv, maybe you shouldn’t burn any calories fretting about it).  There are different opinions it appears (i.e. maybe not all are on the same page and maybe not even in the same book). But at some point, a decision will have to be made as what direction we are going to try to go (i.e. or we can just muddle through it and see what happens).  I wonder if the current folks like it the way it is and want to go forward with the old way.  But can it exist the old way for very long (i.e. old folks all die)?  But I don’t know which direction is the best or if any of them will work but…!  Does it really matter? I don’t know.  Maybe money will be the decision maker.  Maybe. Look around folks.

BillyReality says—There are days when the sea is rough.  Oh ya!  All a guy can do is “wait and hope.”  Some gals who were and are in health care told me that full moons make folks weird in care faculties.  Maybe that is the reason why Arlene was not herself. I must admit it was really hard for me to see Arlene cry and mumble that she wants to go home; meaning she wants to die and go to heaven.  She wants to go forward.  I don’t blame her a bit.  Maybe you feel this way tooooo or are close or have been close to someone who have the same feeling.  Life is not always pretty folks but life goes on.

This “It’s Saturday” might not be as it appears (i.e. a deception; a mirage), could be.  ANYWAY, I thought of these two stories of myself.  Many years ago, maybe about 40-45 year ago, I officiated high school football for 3-4 years.  It was fun but not as much fun as I thought it was going to be.  Here are a couple of the funniest situations that I remember.  I was the referee and Dick, a friend, was the umpire. It was late in the fourth quarter in a blowout.  He threw his flag and called a penalty that one of the defense players didn’t have his shoe tied—what!—he laughed and then left me standing there—the players had no idea what was going on—I called a five yard penalty on the defense (i.e. went forward)—I then went through some exaggerated arm description to the fans (i.e. who didn’t understand and could care less).  What a hoot!  The second one was after taking our showers and exiting through the gym after officiating, there were 4 cheerleaders who were petite, cute, and looked sooo sweet.  They approached us and called us names that many I had never heard before; those names were very colorful and descriptive and choice.  We looked at each other and just laughed (i.e. we didn’t think we were that bad).  What a hoot.  Sometimes things aren’t as they appear! 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—“No matter what language we speak, we all live under the same moon and stars.” John Denver

relevant

Folks, don’t believe everything or anything I say.  Why would or should you?  Credibility in today’s world is sketching at best.  Very few folks believe the same things or believe other folks.  Everyone believes what they want.  Why would you be any different? So please read this “It’s Saturday” with a very open mind.  It is what it is.  I really don’t need to tell you that as you are going to believe what you want to believe anyway. And as “theguywhocan’thitthe3-wood” says--And remember, ValedictorianRon says--"every story can use some embellishment!" 

I got an idea. An awful idea. A wonderful, awful idea. What do you think my wonderful, awful idea is?  Maybe it is the same as what you are thinking and maybe it isn’t.  That wonderful, awful idea might be relevant to both of our lives and maybe it might be understood differently to us individually.  I had a friend email me and say—erv, I really enjoy reading your “It’s Saturday” but sometimes I don’t understand what you are saying.  Sooooo, I’m not going to tell you what my wonderful awful idea is as some of you won’t understand it BUT, if you think of your wonderful, awful idea, you will understand it and that is all that counts (i.e. it’s all relevant)!  Your third glass of wine might help you understand this!  ha ha  Such is life.

Our culture says we are not to motivate children with negative stuff (e.g. erv, if you don’t study you will end up cutting turkey throats at the Willmar turkey processing plant—that is what my Mom, Anna, said to me when I was a teenager).  Now we give everyone a participation trophy and they all expect to have the same great life.  Crazy to me but…!  At our study group at church we are studying about heaven and hell.  One person said that you don’t hear pastors preach about hell very much.  Another person said that years ago they did a lot it seems.  Another person said—I think my husband’s granddad was a Reformed Church pastor and preached fire and brimstone sermons; I am going to ask him about that.  She did and this is what she told us—He talked to his cousin Smiley and he said—Your granddad scared the hell out of me!

jcc, who was an international lead litigator; a regular wise guy, sent me this (i.e. we made our acquaintance in a strange way a number of years ago—he was a nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof). He can be opaque; the meaning of opaque is unclear.  Hitchcock said puns are the highest form of literature. Samuel Johnson noted that puns were the lowest form of humor. Take your pick. . .  A hs classmate of class of 63 at Danube High a.k.a. TheZenker sent me this email-- I’m here at the Mayo Clinic waiting for the results of my blood test. As you may recall from our high school days, I didn’t always do well with tests. I hope I don’t flunk this one.

A friend (i.e. whose husband has Alzheimer’s) and I became friends when we wintered in AZ communicated on New Year’s Day—Here is part of our email text--We went out to dinner at the fanciest place in town with my two sons and my daughter-in-law. Then home here to play some fun games. Jim went to bed after the first game. We eventually "had the talk" about eventual placement for Jim. My insides started shaking at the reality of it all. Now that is relevant folks—some of you won’t understand that; I understand that even if you don’t,

When I was a little ol’ farm boy growing up a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN, Chester and Anna didn’t teach me much about comparative and superlative adjectives.  They taught me more about of how to clean out the chicken coop, do chores, baling hay and picking rocks. Most of you won’t understand that and you won’t understand going to the outhouse in the middle of a MN winter either.  But there are three adjectives that I understand better and they are more subjective: good, better, and best. One of those three describes you.  Chester and Anna taught me to be around good folks and that what you guys are (i.e. except for one of you and you know who you are ha ha).  I did appraisals of real estate when in business.  We used the comparison appraisal and the rate of return appraisal.  I had breakfast with a friend recently who part of his expertise is comparing and appraising the values of companies (i.e. he’s really one sharp cookie who knows about comparative and superlative adjectives).  He told me about the metric of EBITDA (i.e. earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization). I never heard of that metric before. I think the WAG appraisal is easier to understand and more relevant for many folks—wild ass guess!  Soooo, can you and I effectively evaluate ourselves objectively and subjectively?  I think it is very difficult but what do I know so don’t pay much attention to what I say.  You are a lot smarter; it’s all relevant.  Such is life.

Sometimes I wonder why I spend my time and effort on things that are irrelevant, at least toooooo many folks it appears; it seems like they are the fast majority but maybe not (i.e. but they sure seem to get the most media time).  I wonder sometimes if it’s time for me to give up the fight (i.e. kiss it good by).  It appears that this might be a lot easier on me; whatever happens will happen (i.e. I’m surely not in charge of the universe—I know that).  Maybe I’m maybe not relevant to the culture of our current world. I disagree with abortion, legalizing drug use, ruin of the family, same sex marriages, etc. but I don’t care that most of the bowling alleys are gone (i.e. maybe I’m a hypocrite; I like change but then I don’t).  But maybe, I’m just part of the silent majority and not the noisy minority.  A college friend told me recently—erv, does it really make any difference?  Or as another friend says—erv, it’s not worth burning any calories on that!  JoeSmoky says—erv, go get yourself a hot dog with a lot of onions on it and quite trying to fix everything; the snowball is rolling down the mountain at a fast pace and is getting bigger and bigger and erv, you are not going to stop it soooooo why even think about it.  JoeSmoky, that’s a rotten attitude but I can see why you have it. 

Soooooo someone asked me how I spent New Year’s Eve.  Well, I watched some football, ate some cashews, did some reading and went to bed.  I had a pretty good time.  It’s all relevant now isn’t it.  Even what I read is relevant or irrelevant to most folks.  I told a person recently that I get bored quite easily. He said that he feels sorry for me (i.e. don’t know if he was kidding or was telling me his true opinion).  I read recently that if you don’t challenge yourself, you will stay the same (i.e. boring boring).  LuckieEddie (i.e. a blur point guard) says--Sooooo if you do the same the next five years what you did the last five years, why do you expect anything to change.  AverageJoe says--erv, erv, many folks like it the sameo sameo sameo; they don’t want anything to change. Boring boring! Here is a new idea that maybe no one thought of; I would like to see all the college basketball players required to wear head bands (i.e. each a different color) soooo I can figure out who is who!  What do you think? That is what I thought.  It’s hard to identify them on TV for me.  Now that would be a change.

I read in the paper soooo it must be right that libraries are trying to be relevant to our times a.k.a. pack a punch (i.e. like a Mike Tyson punch); they are changing and trying to stay current with modern times (i.e. things are changing fast folks if we like it or not and we are not going to stop it). I was in a library the other day where you can check out bikes and ice skates.  That is pretty interesting to me.   Here is something else that is relevant and interesting; the reading chairs are designed soooo they aren’t that comfortable; they don’t want me to fall asleep and be a nuisance.  Libraries are soooo interesting to me. 

AverageJoe says--Being the CEO and CFO of your life is a mindset rooted in delivering you the returns you desire most (i.e. whatever that is). Soooo what do you desire the most; are they relevant to what will make your life a great life or just glitzy to make you temporarily popular and showy (i.e. like some of those “put in the closet Christmas presents”)? 

Let’s face it folks, it’s hard to be relevant to folks if you have not experienced what they are dealing with.  I had a very nice conversation recently with a friend who has suffered all her life with depression.  It gets better and it gets worse. New medication works for a while and then they don’t.  It’s a constant roller coaster effect for her.  I told her that it’s incomprehensible to me what her life is like; inconceivable for me.  She agreed with me. BUT she said—But just what you said is soooo understanding and appreciated.  Think through all that folks.  I can’t get my head around all that!  BUT I have an idea what she is experiencing; probably just an idea. I try to be a good listener and also keep my mouth shut (i.e. both are pretty hard to do).  It's a pretty good feeling when folks say to others--I miss our conversations.  There is no one else that I feel comfortable saying what comes to mind, quite like I do with you. Thanks for being you....

An adage says, “You’re either getting better or getting worse,” so we strategize about how to get better in future days, months and years. In setting goals, we rarely consider virtues, such as humility. However, in many cases this is a quality that ensures enduring success. “Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4). Dr. Seuss said--“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”  Yes folks, you are unique, and I am unique; maybe unique in a good way or in not such a good way.  Who knows? And to the world sometimes it feels like not toooo many really care (i.e. there are folks like many of you guys who care which makes you very unique).  Goggle says there has been maybe 400,000 to 500,000 deaths because of the Syrian civil war.  How do those deaths affect you and me?  That is humbling to me!  Here I worry about and put a lot of effort into such trivial stuff which is of little importance like how I missed our family tradition of pickled herring for New Years while watching football.  That now is hard for me to get my head around.  Sooooo I guess, if it doesn’t affect me, I really don’t care very much about others.  I don’t like that about myself or others. CadillacJack says—erv, erv, go for a run and get that negative stuff out of your head; think about what cut of steak you are going to have for dinner or what color will be your new Cadillac Escalade or something else that’s really important (i.e. first world problems); you will be a lot happier. Soooo I wonder if I drove a stake in the ground every year, if I am becoming a better person compared to my past.  If I don’t drive a stake in the ground, I have no reference point soooo then it becomes irrelevant.  Such is life.

Judy Garland told Liza Minnelli, “Be a first-rate version of yourself, not a second-rate version of someone else.”

Ok, I changed my mind; here is my “wonderful, awful idea.” I actually learned it from an “onesmartperson.”  She told us that if you want your husband to do something, but he won’t listen to you, you need to have your daughter talk to him; he will listen to her even if he won’t to you; it always works (i.e. it’s all about relevancy).  There is no charge for this “wonderful, awful idea.”

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.

P.S. I have had several of you tell me that you tried to comment on my blog site, but it wouldn’t let you. I have adjusted the settings soooooo I think it works now.  ANYWAY, I have tried it and it works.  I like your comments either to me by email or on the blog site. Yes I do!

induit

There is no fine print in this “It’s Saturday.”  No asterisks; no ifs or buts!  It’s straight up right out of my mouth and not from either side of my mouth either.  I realize you weren’t born yesterday.  That is true of all of you except of one of you and you know who you are!  ha ha

Sooooo, what-have-you-done-for-us-lately? Most folks really don’t care what you did 20 years ago or even 5 years ago, they want to know what you did for me this year or yesterday.  We can’t live in our past and keep patting our self on the back to how great we think we are.  If we do, well, we are just plain jerks (i.e. my opinion).   Look around folks, the good ones keep doing it and doing it and doing it (i.e. the good ones getinduit).  AverageJoe (i.e. a high-energy guy) says—There is nuttin more boring than to listen to some old fart bragging about the touchdown he scored in high school 50 years ago.  Sooooo you ask him—whathaveyoudonelately and he looks at you like a deer looking in the headlights!  Such is life.

Some friends signed their Christmas card to us—Really old friends I think or was it just old friends?  I went and doubled checked, I was wrong on both counts. ANYWAY it really made me laugh.  You can read into that anything you want and probably all your thinking is correct.  The gal who actually wrote that makes me laugh more than she ever has before (i.e. and she ain’t no spring chicken folks).  Why?  I really don’t know.  She, I think, has changed or I have changed or we both have changed.  ANYWAY, I think our relationship has changed; it’s different.  Awiseguy told me recently that change most often is a process.  Soooo maybe this was a process; I don’t know.  BUT what I do know is that she is different, maybe, could be! Maybe we just got to know each other in a different way (i.e. a way that we never knew each other before—I have no idea).    

I read this in the paper soooo it must be right—Mr. David Bolger died; he was 86. He was a philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to the city of Fayette and Upper Iowa University.  Mayor Karlson of Fayette said of him—He was an interesting, interesting person. He was always doing something.”  I just think that is an interesting comment said about him.  That comment could be said about many of you folks (i.e. maybe you don’t give millions away, but you are interesting and are always doing something—always have your wheels turning internally).  My hat goes off to you; keep it up!  “You are never too old to set another goal or dream another dream.” - C.S. Lewis  The first question of the Westminster Catechism is--Q. What is the chief end of man? A. Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.  Think about that folks even if you don’t believe in Jesus or God.  My opinion and belief—This is what produces meaning and happiness to life on this earth.  I realize that some of you might not agree with me.  If soooo I would like to know what you think is the chief end of man? Please tell me; I would really like to know. 

I make myself laugh; yes, I do.  I sometimes think, I’m the only one who can see my weaknesses, but reality is, maybe not.  When you start telling people what your weaknesses are, they’re not going to be shocked. They’re already aware of them. Everybody knows your weaknesses. Maybe it’s just my opinion but it seems to me that if we won’t admit our weaknesses, we’re the only ones not seeing and exposing them! We see each other’s weaknesses all the time, and most people are more than willing to point out the weaknesses in others. But we don’t want to point out our own. Maybe if we are wise, we won’t disguise our weaknesses. People appreciate honesty—when we are straightforward about where we are, it helps the people we’re sharing with to be more open, because they might be struggling, too. ItchieBitchie (i.e. who is scrutinized and criticized) says—erv, don’t kid yourself, everyone can see right through you and see your weaknesses (i.e. you are soooo simple)! 

She really got induit!  Long-lost friends met at a convention and sat in the lobby all night talking. They knew they would be in trouble with their spouses, who were waiting back in their rooms When they saw each other the next day, one of the friends said, “I walked in the door last night, and my spouse got historical.” “Don’t you mean hysterical?” the other one asked. “No, historical,” the friend replied. “I was told everything I ever did wrong.” I am really going to try to forget the past of folks (i.e. show more mercy to them).  I might not have agreed with them in the past and maybe don’t agree with them now but “it is what it is.”  I’m really induit! But can I do it; that is the question.  I think I will probably have my moments!!!!

MyFriend really gets induit; yes she does. This story is shared with her permission; she is such a good, long-time friend that I don’t want to offend her in any way and lose our relationship; it is tooooo special and appreciated.  I was at my 90-year-old friend’s house one day at Christmas. I asked her what that wood is under the extension cord ends she uses for her window candles—they are tooooo prevent the carpet from catching on fire and burning my house down—when is the last time you heard of that—there was a possible house that burnt down maybe 55 years ago; besides I can’t sleep at night worrying about it; I have to get up a couple times each night to check if my house is on fire; I just sleep better with the wood under the extension cord receptacles—you know what myfriend, if you sleep better at night I suggest you do it; besides, it must work as your house hasn’t burnt down—I will; my son gives me a hard time tooooo but I do what I want toooo doooo! We had such a good laugh!  Soooo much fun.

Being around some of you folks is such an uplift; it’s more fun than hiking a “ CO 14ner.” There is a reason why I say that and show the pic; most of you won't get it; it's directed more to one person but you others can apply it as you want. I do think the key is to pick good folks to be around.  Here is an example of one of many of you folks (i.e. soooo many of you folks just amaze me—you are “way good folks”).  I got this email from a business owner (i.e. who is a good egg) who is not from our community but whom I do business with occasionally and also got to know some because of different opportunities.  This is part of his email—"Still pray for both of you every day.  I know Arlene is well cared for and I hope you are too.  Not sure who takes care of you.  If its ok I will stop in to chat sometime when I am in town?”  Wow!  That’s not just any guy folks, let me tell you; he fits into my elite bucket; the bucket that many of you are in.   

When I read food store adds, sometimes I laugh.  They are sorta kinda sucker adds, maybe.  They advertise certain products at a sale price but in the fine print, it says—"select varieties!”  Usually the “select varieties” are the ones they can’t get rid of.  Soooo they are less popular and it might be an advertisement ploy—not always though but most of the time.  If there is a product that is very popular or in heavy demand, they don’t have to put it on sale; folks will pay the price if they really want it.  Soooooo are you and I “select varieties” or are we a product that is in heavy demand that everyone wants?  TomTerrific says—Depends on the day for me; some days you couldn’t give me away!

My mind is induit but my body doesn’t seem to catch on totally.  It’s really crazy.  Maybe a couple of months ago, a friend at church told me that one of their patients looked exactly like me; even his body language was the same; he even crossed his legs the same.  That poor sucker is what I told her.  ANYWAY, after she told me this, I decided to challenge myself by disciplining myself.  I decided that I wasn’t going to cross my legs any more in any form (i.e. I’m not going to be like that other guy ha ha).  Sounds easy but I have found it much harder than I thought.  I am still not automatic; I have to correct myself, actually quite often.  Sooooo when they talk about changing your total lifestyle, I realize how hard that must be (i.e. maybe not many can do it and maintain it).  I have a hard time changing one little habit. I sorta kinda make it a game; I enjoy it.  Is that crazy or what! I didn’t ask my friend if their patient was crazy like me? Really folks, it doesn’t take much to entertain me!

Ok, try it; try always having your feet on the floor and completely flat.  I think it has changed me; yes I do.  I think I’m more poised, more relaxed and look at things differently. I think I’m even not as opinionated as I use to be! Ya right erv! JoeBlow says—erv, you are wacko!  Before you get soooo judgmental, try it.  Do it for awhile and see what you think.  I have observed that very few folks actually do this; most cross their legs somehow and very few have their feet completely flat on the floor (i.e. look around).  Hey, this could change your life.  Ya, right erv, you are as crazy as a hoot owl!  Well well well then, quite eating pizza instead!  Really, I don’t think you can do either, wimpy!

WorldClassLarry (i.e. who didn’t go to cheese school) says—A good exercise for the heart (i.e. also maybe a challenging life style change) is to bend over and help another up.  AlvinWithTheEgo says—I don’t like bending over and I don’t like helping others; it’s a waste of energy; those things don’t make me any money and I like money and don’t try to mess with my ego; I like my ego and I like to bask in it. 

Let me tell you I got my head induit.  Yes, I did.  We have cupboards above our island counter; it’s not actually an island but a peninsula; why do they I call it an island, I don’t know.   ANYWAY, when cleaning the counter, I have hit my head (i.e. always skinning it up) numerous times (i.e. I just don’t seem to learn—I’m as dumb as post).  Soooo I did it the other day again, skinned my head again and then threw the dish rag down and was mad at myself (i.e. Arlene cried as she didn’t like to see me this way—very interesting).  I said—Enough is enough, if I can’t learn, I need to protect myself. Soooo I put some weather stripping on the edge of the cupboard (i.e. if I can’t learn by my mistakes then I need to be innovative and take care of myself—enough is enough).  Will Rogers said—Good judgment comes from experience and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.

I then read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--James 1:19-20: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (NIV). CadillacJack says--The best way of turning over some new leaves is by leaving anger behind. Oh man!  “Hot heads and cold hearts never solved anything.”  Billy Graham

Ok, I want to talk about many of you and for sure me.  A different scenery can really change your life to a better life; a new opportunity. It can really change a person’s situation and life.  It has for me.  Northwestern College was a great opportunity for me; it let me become a different person; completely gave me opportunities; changed my life in soooo many ways.  Many things and opportunities have changed you as well; I know it has; many changes of scenery have given you a way better life for you. Your stories would just amaze folks.  Soooooo folks, think about changing the scenery of your life (i.e. particularly if you are unhappy).  I know it can be challenging but can be soooooo rewarding.  You might go wee wee wee all the way home! I would really like to hear your stories of how a new scenery has done amazing things to you. 

I think some sports announcers get way induit but some just drive me crazy.  They “over kill” players and the teams.  They don’t tell the truth but say things soooo people might watch the event.  I many times mute the ones that do that.  We can all see the truth; they try to fabricate and embellish the truth (i.e. how dumb do they think we are; do they think we were born yesterday).  I know folks that do that about most everything.  SusieQ says--I mute them as well (i.e. just tune them out).  Do you notice that the good ones don’t do that; they tell it as it is. ValedictorianRon says—Most of those sport announcers and other folks that talk that way would be better off if they said nuttin! 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--"It's amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit." Harry S. Trueman 

questionable

It's questionable if it will work but it's worth a shot folks.  I am going to try to attract more of the younger and more liberal audience of readers for “It’s Saturday” using this new tactic of saying--"Just a second, I’m going to get a beer!  Ok, where was I?" AvergeJoe asks—erv, do you think it will work? I don’t know but I think it’s really funny!  Maybe it’s just another of the ideologies of the universe.

This “It’s Saturday” isn’t a cosmic oracle soooooo take that into consideration when reading it.  We live far from the center of the cosmos; we live in Aplington, IA which is basically in the middle of one huge massive corn field that produces huge massive crops (i.e. probably one of the better areas in the world to raise corn).  One thing many folks in our area are experts at is raising corn and soybeans.  Farmers in our area can lose their crop several times during the year and still can produce a bumper crop (i.e. they are good let me tell ya)! ha ha  For you city slickers, that is a common story that is heard told by rural town folks in IA (i.e. sorta kinda a joke).

MissPerfect (i.e. who maybe was raised by wolfs) says—The beatdown of “the after the holidays attitude” is like a strip sack!  It’s a tough situation for me.  It’s like the video game is over; it changes my world; I’m just sick! It’s just terrible! They said to me all the time that it was free, but I found out that it really wasn’t (i.e. is there anything that is really free—even if the politicians tell us that—someone has to pay for it—it ain’t free folks).  It seems like I’m the one who always has to pay for the free stuff of others.  MissPerfect, it sounds like maybe you drank toooooo much eggnog during the holidays.  Could be.  Pick it up cupcake, get out of the dumpster and let’s get going; it’s 2019.

A friend started his post on Facebook this way--It seems the post-Christmas let-down exposes what we chase, but never capture, through the hectic season: contentment. You can see why I like to be around this guy; he’s smart; seems to see the big picture! He doesn’t even charge me anything for his wisdom; now that is a deal! 

LuckieEddie (i.e. who has only one headlight) says--It just throttles me that what one person says can have soooo much effect (i.e. both good or bad). InYourFaceSammie says--Boy, it seems like what GlitzieBilly said really has escalated quickly. If TerrySlick would have said it, well, probably no one would have paid any attention to it (i.e. no one pays any attention to what TerrySlick says—it’s all baloney according to certain groups).  BossyLizzie (i.e. who has flaming swords) says--You got to be aggressive (i.e. you gotta pretend it’s a touchdown and then do a dance; you got to be pushy).  GeorgeTheCrook says--Something is terribly wrong with that statement (i.e. his opinion)! Sooo it is always fun to read the Christmas greetings from you folks.  Everyone does it differently it seems; some styles are maybe reflective of who each one of you are (i.e. I don't think there is a right or wrong way).  One friend writes sayings of what their kids say during the year; I really enjoy this (i.e. just fun to me). ANYWAY, my favorite of all his pretty gals’ sayings of his family is this one made by Kristin—Kristin told us that her coach at basketball camp told her: “When I get done with you, you’re going to want to play college basketball!”  She thought to herself: “OK, buddy, whatever helps you sleep at night…”

There are college players who didn’t play in the bowl games in fear of getting hurt and costing them millions.  They are expecting to go into the NFL highly rated and don’t want to risk losing millions to an injury.  Can you understand that?  They are aspiring players who have a full, good resume; there is nuttin more for them to prove and a lot to lose.  Isn’t that putting the odds in your favor?  You think soooo.  What would you do?  That is what I thought.  Talk is cheap but when huge massive amounts of money are part of the equation, well now, that quite often changes the thinking of mommas in influencing their little boys.  Talk about influencing the boys; I really question the actions of some college players and teams I saw in the bowl games (i.e. not what I like to seeee but I realize that some of you like this type of action—their actions are at least questionable, my opinion).  Does their actions have anything to do with their coaches do you think or the sport or our culture? 

Talk about money!  I asked a friend at church if he is retiring.  He said—OH NO, erv! The stock market went down and I need to work more!  I know his financial situation; I laughed; he laughed; we both laughed.  It was soooo funny.  What a hoot! You can say what you want and think what you want but money drives many things.  Don’t kid yourself. My friend just wanted more, that’s all!!!! College students are at an age that they think they know most everything (i.e. they usually don’t but just think they do—I did anyway).  Reality is they need to read the fine print of their majors; if it says, “with or without fries”, well, maybe they might have a hard time getting a job with their major.  Two of our neighbors recently graduated and have a job called “digital advertising.”  Not toooo many years ago, there weren’t such jobs.  I just read that making money doesn’t mean that you are successful in life as there are many folks who make a lot of money but are unhappy.  But, if you are spending $100,000 to $250,000 for a college education, maybe, just maybe one should look at how you are going to pay that back.  But I don’t know; you can always pray about it and have God take care of it (i.e. who is the god that will being paying for it?). Daddygod or grandmagod or Teddybeargod or UncleSamgod, etc.? AverageJoe says—If it works, it works! Many of us didn’t have such a god; if you did, good for you; you are a godly person! Such is life.

An acquaintance told me recently that they no longer have horses.  She said that she used to have a lot of them; like 26.  She got her inheritance from her parents and burnt it all on horses; when it was gone, she had to get rid of the horses; she said it was probably a questionable decision she made in the first place; probably should have paid off the cars and paid on our house; my dad probably would roll over in his grave if he knew I spend the inheritance on horses.  Yabut, a true gift has no strings attached.  None!  If you want strings attached on the inheritance you give to anyone, you have to create a living will where you control your money even after you die.  Saturday question—How will your children and spouses spend the money you leave them?  Really!  You think soooooo!  You might be way wrong.  But then again, you will never know!  At least from my opinion you won’t but not all agree with me; some folks think their dead parents will see everything their children do from heaven or hell (i.e. although I have never heard anyone say from hell; have you?).  I don’t know folks! Who knows? As a friend says—I’m not going to burn calories worrying about it. 

It is questionable what he meant.  A friend told me recently that one of her sons said to her—Mom, you need to find things to do that don’t cost money! Soooo was he serious or was he kidding her?  I found it funny and she did tooooo; we both laughed.  Sometimes it is hard to know when folks are serious or kidding you.  I think many times we and others are taken wrong.  What do you think?  That is what I thought.  Sooooo what I write is not directed to you personally; some of you accuse me of doing that but I’m not (i.e. but I think one time I did ha ha). Soooo cut me some slack!  I’m talking about the other folks and not you (i.e. most ofthetimeanyway—ha ha).

Sooooo probably most or all the Christmas presents have been given.  Have you noticed how different folks react in receiving gifts?  I mean like some make a real big deal out of it and others don’t show any emotion. Some just say “shirt” and put it down.  There is no right or wrong way I guess.  I just find it interesting.  Why is there such a difference do you think?  ANYWAY, I also notice that folks react way different when they receive a compliment.  Some make a big deal out of it and others just shrug it off (i.e. just don’t say anything).  Again, why?  I have no sure idea but have my opinion.  I find that extremely interesting and also I find it extremely interesting to observe.  It probably tells us something about a person, but I don’t know what!  The responses are even more fun to observe when we don’t expect or demand a certain response and surely fun when we aren’t disappointed in the response (i.e. we just accept it as it is just who they are).

SusieQ (i.e. who is a beautiful person, especially internally) says--Sugar and salt together is oh soooo good (e.g. pretzels and chocolate).  And both aren’t good for us. Sooooo we get double bad! Much of processed food has a lot of sugar and salt in it.  Why, it sells; folks like it. A doctor told me that during the holidays, their many vendors gave their offices many many good tasting treats in which all of them basically were sugar and salt.  Why? That is easy to figure out; folks seem to like sugar and salt and lots of it.  Look around, IA as a state, has the second highest percentage of the population that are obese.  Soooooo how do you treat folks of IA?  You give them what they want and like—sugar and salt and lots of it!  Bingo, it works! 

Questionable!  Recently I did business with a large retail corporation.  We had a dispute about my order.  The gal (i.e. about 32,) who was running the department, got really excited and rude with me.  I explained all the details that transpired, and she was still really gruff to me.  She said that 99% of the people are not nice folks and try to take advantage of them—I don’t believe that; that is a large number; look at the gal behind me; she looks to be a very nice person (i.e. the gal shock her head yes)—I have been doing this for 11 years and I’m not a very nice person any more—I don’t believe that; I bet you are a nice person but just got kicked around a little—I have been kicked around a lot; maybe part of the reason is the department I work in and the type of folks we attract—that could be.  We got the order figured out and after that she was really nice to me.  I sorta kinda felt sorry for her!  Saturday question—Do you think some groups of folks aren’t as nice as other groups of folks?

A 85 year old friend (i.e. a good guy with a good heart) told me that their children and their spouses all get along even though some are as different as day and night.  Now that is a good quality to be able to get along with family even if you don’t agree with them.  CrazyMarvin says—That’s not the way it is in our family; no one gets along with any one!  Why is that CrazyMarvin?  My family members are just as crazy as I am and it’s just crazy when we get together if they will.  My 85-year old friend told me that his three children and spouses want to take he and his wife on a trip to Europe.  I told him that he was crazy if he didn’t go!

I saw this back-window sticker on a van on the street when I had breakfast the other morning.  Folks who stay true to their team even though things don’t go well amaze me (i.e. my Vikings lost again).  They are true fans.  There are folks who get on the train of what ever team is winning at the time but fade away when they aren’t on top.  Folks who are loyal and stick to their core believes, I admire.  When things get stinkin’ bad they still believe in what they believe (i.e. that can be hard to do but some really seem to be able to do it).  Now that ain’t easy folks.  Job’s friends tried to tell Job to give up on his faith in God.  Job basically told his friends to “stick it in their ears.”  Folks, I’m trying to tell you that when life isn’t going your way (i.e. it isn’t if but when), try to stick to your guns; be courageous; stick to what you believe; don’t fade.  I realize that it might be hard.  Yes, I do.  I have had many folks say to me—erv, Alzheimer’s is a shitty disease (i.e. that is a very good description of the disease)! I heard it said by prissy, fancy, well-dressed gals with perfect makeup and nails and also from rough and tough guys (i.e. soooo it must be right).

My friend/golf buddy next joke about death--Bobby was sitting on the porch talking to his Grandpa when he innocently asked, “Grandpa, do you know how to make animal sounds?” “I sure do” Grandpa replied. “What sort of animal sound would you like to hear?” “How about a toad? Do you know how to sound like a toad?” “Sure”, said Grandpa, cupping his hand to his mouth, “croaaak croaaak, how did you like that?!” “Yipee!” screamed Bobby jumping up and down, “We are going to Disney World!” “Huh?” Questioned Grandpa. “Why’s that?” “Because Grandma said so,” Bobby patiently explained, “she said that after you croak we’ll all go to Disney World!”

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.   Benjamin Franklin