ppp

I am taking King Charles I’s philosophy of PPP (i.e. he was beheaded in 1649). When folks got after him, his philosophy was: Never make a defense or apology until you be accused.  But he didn’t see that beheading comin’! He should of used better PPP!

MyfriendSecretariat a.k.a. real magic worker has always told me that to be successful you have to have PPP (i.e. proper prior planning).  JoeBlow says--If a person doesn’t have PPP then they have tooooo make excuses. A friend just told me that their pastor told them this in his recent sermon (i.e. see pastors, folks listen to what you say)—Excuses are like armpits; they all stink!  Pastors, she also said this say—But that is the only thing I remember of the sermon!  Such is life.

Alexander Graham Bell said—Before anything else, preparation is key to success.  Jordon Spieth said about his current funk—I need to declutter my mind; I try to be toooo perfect in everything; I need to prepare my mind differently.  Roy McRoy said this—I have missed a lot of opportunities; I didn’t have the right attitude; I have got help and read a lot of books in trying to change my mindset; I think I’m going in the right direction. That is the way they (i.e. Jordon and Roy) are right now!  Both are working on PPP. Roy just won!  Maybe this mind stuff a.k.a. PPP really works.  What do you think? That is what I thought.

WorldClassLarry asks--Have you ever got off the beatin’ path and couldn’t get back on?  SusieQ says—I never could figure folks out why folks got off the beatin’ path once they got on it; I said I would never do that; but I did the exact thing.  Crazy!  Just crazy I am; you are SusieQ, you sure are crazy; I agree 100%.  GeorgeTheCrook says—Very few folks can handle success; it usually messes them up!  Look around folks.  BUT there are some that can.  What do those folks have that they don’t get off the beatin’ path.  Maybe it’s PPP! 

Humility seems to be “on the way out” by our modern culture.  But the opposite (i.e. pride) seems to be growing wild.  It seems that way any way.  Saturday question--How is it in your life?  This is what I thought. Dr.David said--We hear it all the time: “I had everything I ever wanted, but still something was missing.” Step one is realizing something is indeed missing; step two is seeking and finding it. The great king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, had all the world could offer—but he didn’t have God. And he didn’t know what he was missing until God entered his life, humbled him, and opened his eyes to see. After seven years of humbling and learning, Nebuchadnezzar was a changed man—a man who glorified God. JoeSixPack says—Man. it is hard to be humble!

After church Sunday I was talking to a couple of friends.  They asked me what I was going to do today.  I said watch some basketball and put out the spring stuff in the house (i.e. I don’t enjoy this but it feels good when I get it done).  Mybigsister (i.e. only in age) suggested to me that I get some branches off some type of bush and force them to bud into their flowers.  One gal asked me what kind of plant was that.  I didn’t know but told her I would find out and text her.  I text her that it was a forsythia plant—your husband (i.e. a friend) knows everything and everybody in Butler County; maybe he can get some for you and me.  I got a text back from her—he said plants belong outside (i.e. my friend makes me laugh)!

Here is a lot of Ps! The Seven P's  LuckieEddie says—That makes me want to P! It appears that if you want to affect someone’s performance in a negative way, one of the best ways is to praise them ALOT. Yes, praise them excessively (e.g. write a lot of stuff in the paper how great they are).  Most times, they will get a big head and stumble and bloody their nose.  Folks have a hard time to stay humble.  I learned at the Ash Wednesday service from the priest’s talk this—Do alms giving in humility. Many of you are humble most of the time and many of you are humble some of the time and some of you are never humble.  Suggestion—Be very careful of fake praise! I know a person who praises everyone all the time about everything (i.e. they think it’s good for business—to get the other person to like them) a.k.a. scam or patronizing.  Hey folks, things might not always be as they appear.  Be cautious! 

I had breakfast with a friend who is unique.  He told me about a family member and spouse who are constantly unable to pay their bills (i.e. a real pain in the butt).  Those folks are unique and soooo is my friend and his wife in trying to help them (i.e. good folks with good hearts—my kinda folks).  If the family member and spouse don’t change, it appears then that things will never be different.  Soooo what do you think will make them change (i.e. the major change) if anything?  Maybe those folks will not change; then what? Maybe some of you have such an experience? Maybe you are constantly struggling or you are the folks who are constantly giving and hoping but see no change.  Both sides are ouchy ouchy! Maybe that is why folks are to have budgets, PPP!  It makes sense.  MissPerfect says--Most folks don’t stick to them but go back to the old way.  Simple tactic—You can’t spend more than you make; unless you are the government! Such is life.

Well even if I think I used PPP for a certain event in my life, it doesn’t always turn out the way I want it toooo.  I’m disappointed.  BUT then maybe ten minutes, a week, a year or maybe 10 years later I say—Thank you God that I didn’t get what I wanted.  Thank you thank you thank you.  Has that ever happened to you?  We try to do our best to figure it out but…!

This thought might be controversial to some of you.  I’m not taking sides but want you to think.  Some of you will probably get all bent out of shape (i.e. from both sides of the thinking—and some of you really don’t care).  One side of thinking says that everything is determined in your life and the other side says you have thousands and thousands of decisions in your life.  I read this in the book The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Green—"For thousands of years, we humans believed in fate: some kind of force—spirits, gods, or God—compelled us to act in a certain way.  At birth our entire lives were laid out in advance; we were fated to succeed or fail.  We see the world much differently now. We believe that we are largely in control of what happens to us that we create our destiny.” 

I have told some of you that you can’t do anything bad enough to me for me to not love you or like you.  You can’t.  Why? Cause you have such good hearts and your action is just a hiccup! Many times, folks do stuff that hurt us but it’s their short-term behavior and not their real heart.  Yes, good folks with good hearts do stuff that isn’t soooo great sometimes.  We all do.  I think if we can have PPP, we will understand this when it happens (i.e. we won’t be surprised; we’re ready for it). AND it will happen; it’s just when.  I think we need to have PPP to see the “big picture’ (i.e. my opinion). BUT I always can’t do it (i.e. sometimes I almost make myself puke as toooo how I react).  Such is life.

Do you do a lot of PPP on your “image management?  Are you worried how others see you and think of you?  I would guess maybe all of us do (i.e. do a lot of PPP); but for some, it’s a huge massive effort; it cost them a lot of money and a lot of time.  Recently I was walking to church to get a DVD when I met a couple of buddies.  They asked me if I had my pajamas on!  They said that there were a few ladies still at church cleaning up.  I said I will go latter as I don’t want to hurt my image! haha They said—erv, you can’t hurt your image any more than what it is! 

It’s not PPP but it’s its cousin!  There are many ways to prepare for anything.  It appears to me that if I do different things aimed at getting the same result, it works for me (e.g. you work hard and then take a break—a marathon runner who trains does this).  I think that a break is very important in my life or I become stale and bored.  What is interesting is that a different activity can be a change or even rest can be a change (i.e. mix it up Nellie). RickieRick says--You can recharge your emotions through quietness, solitude, or recreation that rejuvenates you. Seeeee, even RickieRick agrees with me. Soooo there you go.  

I wondered the other day if I’m long on the diagnosis and I’m short on the cure!  What I mean about that is, just what I said!  I have moments when I know exactly what is irritating me and I also how to eliminate the irritations, but I spend more time on the diagnosis than I do on the cure.  Why do I do that?   Once I shift my focus, I am happier and enjoy life once again.  It’s usually because the world really tugs at me because of its methodology of getting in my head (e.g. other people, news, money, greed, envy, jealousness, etc.).  I would guess you understand.  I don’t think I’m much different than you (i.e. but I could be).  If I have PPP, I realize that I will have such moments (i.e. it ain’t if but when) and I will have prepared myself with how I’m going to deal with them (i.e. I have a set plan; an antidote).

I heard the announcers say this about what the Tennessee team wanted to do to the IA team—If we can put pressure on IA guards, it will irritate them which will frustrate them into making emotional mistakes (i.e. get mad and lose their poise).  Think about that folks.  Some friends and I had breakfast last Saturday morning.  One thing we talked about is how anger is passed on from generation toooo future generations.  We know several examples of guys in our community that have done just that. Sooooo if they know that they have this terrible anger, why don’t they make a plan before acting like such a jerk? If you have an anger problem, please explain this to me.  I would like to know.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Todays opportunities erase yesterdays failures.

NO WAY

SusieQ (i.e. who is more than a pretty face) says—Ideas are cheap. Ideas are easy. Ideas are common. Everybody has ideas. Ideas are highly, highly overvalued. Execution is all that matter a.k.a. special-ops).  But you can’t execute something if you do not think of it; you gotta have an idea first.  No Way!

We will know in a few years!  Oh ya! Jen said--For the past few years, I’ve wanted to lose a few extra pounds. I’ve said that I would eliminate sweets. I’ve said that I would create a habit of exercise; I’ve even made myself a schedule and blocked out time on my calendar. I’ve said that I would drink more water and get enough sleep. I’ve said all the right things. But I haven’t actually done them. So, I haven’t lost any weight! Recently I heard a couple of old codgers talking—how is it going—ok, but not like it use to be—I think our better days are gone!  AverageJoe says--All of us will say that at some point—Our better days are gone!  Sooooo do your ideas now! 

Which is better? You folks do the arithmetic and tell me what your answer is.  I want to know.  Carl Sandburg, who won three Pulitzer Prizes, two for his poetry and one for his biography of Abraham Lincoln, said, “Arithmetic is where the answer is right and everything is nice, and you can look out of the window and see the blue sky - - or the answer is wrong, and you have to start over, and try again and see how it come out this time.   

A friend told me that they had a decision that had to be made.  She was good with results of the decision either way.  She analyzed it and could never come up with one side being better than the other.  Sooooo she flipped a quarter to make the decision (i.e. she said—just like the disciples did to pick a new disciple to replace Judas).  She is happy with her decision; it relieved her of her anxiety.  It’s done.  Of course she can always reflip the quarter at any time!  ha ha   ItchieBitchie says—NO WAY could I do that. 

The technology companies say they are on the cuspis of being able to read your mind.  Wow!  I would guess that might be scary tooooo many folks.  Yes, read your mind!  Some of you say, No Way!  Well, technology can't read a person’s mind if they are not thinking about anything! ha ha  Recently when I called some folks I got this message—The party you have called is temporarily unavailable.  What!  Soooo I called U.S. Cellar and the gal told me that I have a newer phone and they have switched me to a new tower that can use the phone and also the Internet at the same time.  To correct this, you need to put 1 in front of all your numbers in your contact; it’s federal law. What!  I will just wait; I will let the real “wizards” complain; they will get it fixed; I just need to be patient (i.e. there will be major push back about this I bet).  Remember folks, it’s all about the money. They don’t want to make it unfriendly for folks or they will go somewhere else. They will read my mind when it comes to $$$$$! No Way will they miss this opportunity.

I do a series of exercises every morning (i.e. have done it for maybe 2 years without missing).  They take me, at most, 10 to 15 minutes; not very long. I do 40 leg lifts, lay flat on my back a few minutes and mediate, 40 push ups, 30 knee bends, and some stretching.   You might say—what does only 10 to 15 minutes of exercise do for a person every day; anybody can do that, that’s a waste of time.  Then you can easily do them; it’s only 10 to 15 minutes.  Very few folks do.  I read in the paper (i.e. soooo it must be right) that if a person does/cando 40 push ups every day, their health will be much better.  You believe that.  That is what I thought.  Some of you say—NO WAY am I going to do that! And others of you say—NO WAY can I do 40 push ups! And still others of you say—NO WAY in amazement.  Huh, interesting.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--Psalm 139:14 says, “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous” (NLT). Have you made an inventory and praised God for how He created your hands, feet, lungs, heart, brain, ears, kidneys, ribs, and eyes? What about your circulatory system, digestive system, nervous system, and immune system? Perhaps if we were more thankful for our bodies, we’d be better stewards of them, taking care of them for His purposes and using them for His glory.

I learned and relearned something valuable.  Folks all don’t think like me (i.e. they have different tastes in food and the ways they live their lives, religious believes, political parties etc.).  We don’t always see things the same. They might be right, and I might be wrong; I really understand this and appreciate this.  A friend gave us some food. She said it was her father’s favorite.  We really liked it.  Others might not like it as much.  That is the way it is with soooooo much stuff (e.g. books, philosophies, political parties, TV shows, religions or no religion, money management, investments, parenting, etc.; you get it.  I have really learned to accept things much better than I use tooooo and also accept folks better even if I don’t agree with them.  It makes life a lot easier and better.  I have become more of a “listener and watcher.” Actually it is sorta kinda fun and entertaining.  Does that make any sense to you? You can watch CNN or Fox News and get all excited.  For what?  NO WAY! Guess who gets to make those decisions. And decisions have consequences. Such is life.

Saturday question—At this point in your life, what are some of your highlights of your life?  I’m not talking about the highlight pics a.k.a. Facebook pics! I’m interested in your real-life highlights.  I was thinking what mine are today and some of you would be surprised (i.e. you would say NO WAY!); you probably might not have any idea but some of you got an idea.  I have had an opportunity to be an almsgiver (i.e. giving to the poor and underprivileged; one of the three marks of Lent); it just fell in my lap.  Soooo what was I going to do with it? Talk about it and say that is something I should do a.k.a. a good idea or actually do something about it?  Talk is cheap folks and easy but few folks, churches, civic organizations actually do much!  This type of thing can actually make the highlight reel of a person’s life (i.e. my opinion).  GoodHeadFrank says—“stuff” does not make the highlight reels; if it dos the person might have a problem.  BobPossessions says—No Way, stuff is the most important stuff in my life; I love stuff; that is why I have a lot of stuff! What do I get out of being an almsgiver anyway?

I like to read the Des Moines paper when I eat breakfast sometimes.  The price just went up to $2.50 at Kwik Star.  It’s not worth $2.50 (i.e. but at the box at The Waffle Stop it’s 75 cents); there isn’t much in the paper.  But I buy it anyway as I enjoy this simple ritual of my life.  I have friends who tell me that they buy the paper to read the obituaries; they read every one of them if they know the folks or not; they do this in several papers; that is the reason they subscribe or buy the papers. Crazy! I might read them if I know the folks or otherwise not; I must be the crazy one.  Now that could be.  I will admit that obituaries are interesting and can be funny (i.e. probably many are embellished—my mentor would say—erv, people seem to get a lot better once they die.  I read this the other morning in one of my devotions; I don’t know if it is true (i.e. not according to many obituaries)--The greatest things in life aren’t things; life is not about achievements. It’s not about accomplishments; life is about relationships. Soooooo why are most obituaries about achievements and accomplishments then?  One of those thoughts must be wrong.  No Way can they both be right!  

Talk about saying one thing but doing another!  I make lists of things I need to do.  I prioritize them by importance.  But I always don’t do them that way.  Sometimes I do the list in the order that I like to do them and other times I do them depending on the mood I’m in.  Sometimes the things that I think are the  most important ones, I shy away from as the #1 to tackle.  I talk big but don’t act big.  I’m a wimp.  No Way do I always do the ones I hate to do but aren’t a necessity right away; I just bump them down a few spaces. JoeEasy says—Yabut erv, what I think is important might not be the same as what you think is important. Now that surely is true JoeEasy! Such is life.

Last Sunday morning I called a friend who I haven’t heard from for some time.  He said—It’s good you called erv as I dropped my phone in a bucket of water and lost all my contacts.  He was out feeding his horses. He said he stopped at the grocery store to get a roll and a cup of coffee for the trip to the farm.  There was an old guy, who he knows a little, drinking coffee by himself (i.e. 90 years old).  He sat down and visited with him. He talked and talked and talked; I heard everything he did in the last 50 years. I finally said I had to go.  He thanked me and thanked me for visiting with him.  I told my friend that he did his good deed for the day!  He said—erv, you know what, I really didn’t have any place to go anyway!

NO WAY!  MissPerfect says--Not me; it must be the other folks!  I have relearned by observation that most folks slide after the original start.  Folks start with their best foot forward but after the honeymoon is over, most folks fall off and their production isn’t as great.  They become accustomed to the situation and learn short cuts soooo they don’t have to work as hard (i.e. become lackadaisical).  The real good ones get better but I think they are the small percentage.  I think that is evident in the work place, marriages, parenting, church, friendships, etc.  CadalicJack says--Sooooo maybe we really don’t know truly what a person is like until you are around them for some time of interaction.  PeteFake says—I have really got my socks blown off several times by folks who have ended up different when I really got to know them (i.e. some were much better and some were not as good—some over produced and some under produced). 

I ran into an old friend/business client the other day.  She is a unique person. She is a musically talented person but for years was a “milker.”  A milker is a person who milks cows.  She has done it for years.  Most would never expect it.  She says she has really enjoyed being a “milker.”  She is maybe in her early 60s and she told me that she has retired from milking.  She has returned to a high school interest; her viola.  Yes, she plays in 3 orchestras.  Wow!  She is unique.  Are you unique or a generic person; vanilla! NO WAY! Many of you are unique and some of you are probably generic.  I guess both kinds of folks are ok.  What do you think?  That is what I thought.

I read the book The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris, a novel. I read it because it was recommended by an AZ- PBfriend.  It’s a good read (i.e. my opinion).  Many attitudes and philosophies aroused me and made me think.  Lale was a Jew and he said to his girl-friend Giti—I have lost my faith, but you have kept yours.  I don’t know if he meant he lost it temporarily or forever; the book didn’t ever say.  Have you ever questioned your faith?  Questioned yourself?

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Talk is cheap—mostly because the supply is greater than the demand.

first class or economy class or no-fly class

Albert Einstein said—The grand aim of all science is to cover the greatest number of empirical facts by logical deduction from the smallest number of hypotheses or axioms. Do you folks understand that?  That is what I thought.  We all seem to understand things differently.  Sooooo this “It’s Saturday” probably will contain stuff that we all won’t understand the same; now that is reality.  But that is ok as far as I’m concerned.  Such is life.

Maybe you readers might be a more of a “motley group of discontents and zealots” than you think you are.  Just maybe.  You just don’t know it!  ha ha  Some of you might think I’m targeting you (i.e. trying to hit you in your head); I am not. I am actually poking fun of myself as I really am two-faced a.k.a. a hypocrite) sometimes even when I don’t realize it. AverageJoe says--Throw the flag on erv (i.e. I probably deserve it)! Hey, I realize that not all of you see things the same as me.

Soooo folks, have you ever flown in first class?  I have never (i.e. I fly economy).  But if you are in the “diamond medallion tier class” with Delta, you probably have (i.e. you are an elite person).  Delta will treat you very special as you spend a lot of money with them (i.e. you get a lot of perks).  Sooooo if you are in a care facility and your stay is paid by the government or if you pay your own way, should you have different treatment (i.e. most will probably say—no way, that’s not right) especially if you are getting your stay paid by the government, which is usually a lessor amount paid to the care facility than a person who pays their own way). Others who pay their own way might think differently (i.e. it might depend which side of the fence you are on). JoeBlow says—I think all care facilities and college education, and medical care, and “55 and over gated retirement communities” should all be free; I really like that idea (i.e. especially since I don’t have any money)! Like I said—Not all of you will agree with JoeBlow.  Seeee!

America has a democratic form of government (i.e. the majority rules).  Sooooo if the majority of the government (i.e. you the people) want all that stuff free, well, we probably will have all those things free. Of course, our form of government could change. Dan Quayle said—“I believe we are on an irreversible trend toward more freedom and democracy – but that could change.”  Or if the majority don’t want it that way, then the U.S. won’t have it that way. Or we might have a hybrid a.k.a. a compromise.  It’s America folks.  From what I read, this is a world issue (i.e. at least in countries where there are some freedoms).  Also, history shows that when the pendulum swings toooo far one way, there are revolts, take overs, civil wars etc. It appears to me that if the ultra-rich would allow the middle class and the poor class to make a living, they still can remain ultra-rich. History reveals that there was always poor and even Jesus said there would always be poor.  But if the rich don't take care of the poor, I think past history shows that the poor might revolt and kill all the rich or something like that (i.e. I think I remember that from World History class at good ol’ Danube High that the French did that years ago).  Do you remember that (i.e. ol’ Danube High was a long time ago)?  And I always didn’t pay attention in class (i.e. Coach Black can testify to that). LuckieEddie says—The world is way different now; that would never happen now. My mentor would say to me—erv, the Golden rule is to treat others like you would like to be treated but the real meaning is, gold rules.

CadillacJack says--There is no reason for gated communities with security protection if everyone and anyone can be in the community. That is why there are different classes of communities.  Some of you might think that is unfair; everyone should have the same opportunity.  Well, probably that to some degree will depend which side of the fence you are on.  Could be and maybe not! A friend told me about 2 of his friends who just did their income taxes.  One made an income that he could support himself after taxes and the other one made a much lesser amount but was given “income tax credit” in which the government pays them money. They both ended up having the same net income.  Are you opposed to that?  I don’t know if I am!  I will have to think about that (i.e. or as a friend says—incubate on that).  There is good and bad on both sides of the fence. I know of a personal example (i.e. a good person) that I think it is ok.  Maybe moved them up form “no fly to economy class.

I talked to a real expert in this dilemma. This person as a child was on public assistance but has really done well for themselves.  I asked them what they thought of this.  They told me that there is a difference between needs and wants.  At some point folks need to learn to provide for themselves; they can’t live on hand outs for ever.  This person somehow took advantage of opportunities and has really done well (i.e. I’m proud of this person). This person has some drive or something.  Not everyone has this it appears. I asked this person how this experience has affected them.  They said—I don’t want our children to experience what I experience; it is a great motivator for me.

But what does society owe to everyone? Does society need to offer opportunities to all? I think soooo maybe, at least to some degree. I was raised in a “not to be able to fly class.” I had a good life with adequate living with never really being without (i.e. as far as I knew at that time).  But because of some opportunities given me (i.e. some just fell in my lap), my life has changed (i.e. gave me many options—now I can fly economy).  I don’t want to forget this.  I think it’s important that we give folks opportunities to “fly economy or even first class.” I do; I really do (i.e. my opinion). Give folks an opportunity to get bumped up; I think soooo! Again, some of you disagree with me and others think we need to give more opportunities to the under privileged and poor.  We just don’t all think alike.

Well flip the pancake!  Many of you are very generous with your time, talents, and money in helping others.  Yes, you are; I know that. I was reminded recently by the generosity of how some neat folks who helped a family of a friend of one of their children; very touching.  And there are others who don’t want anything to do with this but are only concerned about themselves. 

Think about this—Most of us are just several generations beyond immigrants that came to the U.S. (i.e. all my grandparents/great grandparents were immigrants from Holland). Most were dead broke; I mean poor. They were risk takers, some were given opportunities, and many worked very hard (i.e. they were tough old birds to say the least). That’s not really toooo long ago.  Because of our past generations, many folks would not have their financial situation as they do today (i.e. live in gated communities and be able to fly).  If some folks were of a different family, it would not be as near as pretty let me tell ya or if they were of another family, their life would be a lot prettier, maybe. SusieQ says—Sooooo to some of you, maybe don’t get your noses soooo high in the air.

WildWille says—I have a lot of money and I don’t like this talk at all.  MissPerfect says—I have no money and I don’t like this talk at all.  Hey, it all maybe depends what side of the fence we are on.  Don’t kid yourself, it probably makes a big difference. Com’on folks, much of what we think is based on our current environment or our past environment.  If you are receiving a subsidy of some kind or have received a subsidy, you want to give it up?  Can you complain about someone else who is getting one when you are getting one or have in your past?

I heard what Charles Barkley said on Inside the NBA the other night.  They were kidding him that he doesn’t know how to use Netflix.  Then they said—You probably don’t even know how to use an ATM.  He said—What would I want with $200!  See it all depends which side of the fence we are on. Barkley makes between $5 to $7 million a year and has a net worth of approximately $40 million.  Sooo he is probably right, what is $200.

I was jogging the other day and went past a mobile home.  The person who lived in there at one time taught me a lesson.  When I retired from business, I did some subbing at our schools (i.e. my motive was I thought I could help some kids).  One day we used the lap top computers.  When we got done, I counted them to make sure they all were there but this kid, who use to live in this mobile home, stole one after I counted them.  The next day the regular teacher called me and asked about it.  I didn’t know and told her what I knew.  The other kids knew he stolen it but at first didn’t squeal.  They got the law enforcement in and charged him with theft.  I learned that I was way toooo trustworthy; I needed to spend more time covering my butt than teaching (i.e. maybe had to be more of a jerk— but my motive was to help).  I didn’t like that.  I think teachers do that a lot in most schools.  Do you think some schools are different that others?  Do you think private schools have as many problems? Why?

Frustrated but fascinated!  I was frustrated in trying to help these students in that most didn’t respond (i.e. my expectations were higher).  I think I could have really helped many of them (i.e. I was willing).  But I was also quite fascinated by some who bought into me offering advice of my life’s experiences (i.e. we developed good relationships).  I sorta kinda forgot about them until now; some of them even invited me to their graduation parties.  But in retrospect, the numbers were skewed; very few of “the no-fly class” students responded compared to the “economy class” or “first class.”  Actually, the ones who I could of helped the most, rejected my help the most.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--The Bible calls people sheep. As Jesus moved throughout the towns of Israel, preaching and ministering, He saw people who seemed to be wandering through life without a divine Shepherd. And “He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered” (Matthew 9:36). These were the very people He came into the world to save, people who were disconnected from the love of God. And Jesus’ compassion prompted Him to action—He raised up workers to take His reconciling Gospel into the world. Let your love manifest itself in compassion and let compassion result in action on behalf of those in need.

Ok, I struggle with this issue at times; yes, I do.  If I am a Christian or even if I wasn’t, the struggle might be the same.  Jesus spend a lot of time with the riffraff (i.e. the tax collectors and sinners) while the Pharisees and teacher of the law a.k.a. church leaders didn’t want to have nuttin to do with him or the riffraff (i.e. pretty smug).  Hey, Arlene and I enjoyed the gated communities when we wintered in the South (i.e. very comfortable).  And when I was in business, I really enjoyed it when our vendors and friends would invite us to play their private, elite golf courses at their Country Clubs (i.e. some were gated—extremely “first class”).  They were very nice (i.e. plush and exquisite) and we were treated like kings.  We loved it. It surely beats playing the municipals with a coupon out of the paper for a dollar off with a free soft drink when you play before noon; it’s where anyone can play (i.e. flying economy)! See, I’m two faced (i.e. a real hypocrite)! I get tired of this perpetual conflict.  This is what “the projected King David, according to the bracketologists,” said: 

Have you ever been ashamed of yourself?  GeorgeTheCrook says--erv, cut that out!  Don’t try to get in my head.  Don’t try to challenge me.  Don’t make me think about my motives in life. Mr.Official—Throw erv out of the game; he’s ruining my pleasure; get him out of here!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

You readers might be incongruously varied in appearance or character or thinking; very possible. I really think soooo; maybe.  What do you think? That is what I thought. Listen folks, we are blessed to be a blessing (i.e. my opinion).  Hey, some of you won’t understand that and others will think differently.  Such is life.

Oh by the way--If I offended any of you like a "bomb cyclone" in anyway by this "It's Saturday"--It isn't what I meant to do (i.e. political verbiage); you just misunderstood me (i.e. political verbiage).  ha ha

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—You never know what a man and a mule can do—until you give them a field to plow.

confidence

JoeSmart (i.e. who can act groggy at times) says—An expert is one who knows more and more about less and less, and less about more and more (i.e. or another way of putting it—until they know absolutely everything about nothing). JoeSmack says—It takes a very confident person to admit they don’t know something about something.

Cheap Charlie’s owner, Alessandro, was also a bookie I was told.  He always put the odds in his favor.  Even in a business contract, the other party always had to pay his attorney’s fees.  He was driven, completely driven by money and he made a lot and had a lot.  When he died, very few were at this funeral; none of his children.  BUT he had a lot of money in his estate.  He was a very confident and an obnoxious man.  Maybe he was happy and felt very successful.  GeorgeTheCrook says--Maybe he was simply a genus! Maybe and maybe not GeorgeTheCrook; how will we ever know.  ObnoxiousJerry says—Genius is not perfected, it is deepened. It does not so much interpret the world as fertilizer itself with it.  I have a friend who is going to have a kidney transplant soon at Mayo.  We talked and he told me that their success rate is at 98%.  I told him—I like those odds. 

A friend and I eat at a certain restaurant; it’s like the ATandT ad that says—it’s ok! (i.e. I answer with an “AT and T ok” when folks ask me how we are doing).  ANYWAY, I always laugh when I sit down at this restaurant.  They have bench seat booths but soooo many folks have sat in them that it feels like bucket seats; it’s like an old mattress.  While eating breakfast, my friend gave me this wisdom of a couple of his business associates that maybe you might what to think about.  One guy when presented with a business opportunity will listen, ask many questions, talk some more about it and then change the subject. Then in a few days, he will call and accept the deal or nix the deal.  Another person will ask the other person if he understands him right and repeats what other person has said; then changes the subject but comes back to it latter and asks the exact questions again; and guess what, he will do the exact thing the third time.  I think both of those folks are trying to gain confidence in their decision. 

A friend told me that his adult daughter is not a good decision maker with money.  She is way tooooo impulsive and her decisions usually end up being bad decisions (i.e. that is her past history). He is concerned about her handling his estate someday. He asked me what I thought to remedy this.  I suggested that she gets good folks around her and get their impute.  He said—That is the problem, she has not good folks around her; her selection is not good.  He doesn’t have a lot of confidence in her. 

Because of Arlene’s Alzheimer’s, I have had to change my life style.  That’s just the way it is for me. I elected to take the route I did; others might take a different route.  BUT because of this, I have learned to appreciate things differently; part of that change isn’t soooo bad and the other part is not soooo much fun.  I have learned to slow down more (i.e. I have no choice); I have for the most part enjoyed that (i.e. enjoyed life differently). AND it doesn’t really make any difference that I do it now or half an hour from now (i.e. like eating or washing the laundry, going to bed, etc.).  It just doesn’t make any difference.  Such is life. I seem to be living my life less pell-mell!  I realize that some of you won’t understand that and others will.  That is ok, I understand that also.  Yabut I have a friend (i.e. who never seems like he’s in a rush) who says to me—erv, hurry but don’t worry!  I recently made some new pickleball acquaintances (i.e. I played in a different venue).  When I was changing my shoes after playing, one of the folks talked to me.  He is about my age and seems to be in good physical shape.  ANYWAY, he invited me to come back and play with them and told me he plays most mornings except in the summer when he only plays 2 mornings a week; I play golf 3 days a week; my body can’t take doing both in one day anymore! 

I told you before that I bought a used snowblower.  Every machine and person seem to have a little different personality (i.e. especially a 10-year old snowblower run by a 73-year old guy who has peculiar quirky mannerisms).  ANYWAY, I have learned toooo deal with the snowblower’s and other folks’ idiosyncrasies; I just have to adjust and get use to them.  My snowblower tells me that I have to turn the gas off each time I use her, or she stinks up our garage with a gas smell, I can’t choke her when starting.  The other day the starter froze soooo I had to thaw it. I don’t have a lot of confidence in her right yet; I think in time I will when I adjust to her (i.e. she ain’t going to adjust to me).  She sure can blow the snow, but she seems sorta kinda weird and temperamental! I used her 9 times this winter at $20 to $30 a pop, she has paid for herself already. I just need to put up with her idiosyncrasies!

OneSmartPerson told me—erv, folks can make 10 great business deals and then make a very bad business deal and ruin all 10.  I asked him, why after 10 great decisions does somebody make the next one soooooo poorly?  And he said—Usually it is because that person gets cocky and thinks they know all the answers and don’t do the due diligent work that they have on the first 10 (i.e. over confident). Staying humble is sooooooo important in the big picture he said; most can’t do it; they become over confident a.k.a. very egotistical. Ouchy ouchy! Hey, if the shoe fits and it hurts, I’m sorry; I’m just telling you what OneSmartPerson told me.

I read this in the paper soooo it must be right--Embrace pessimism—Most of us don’t like to dwell on what could go wrong and many of us believe we’re better at predicting the future than we actually are.  Overconfidence, excessive optimism and the conviction that the recent past will continue in the future mean many of us don’t adequately protect ourselves.  Or as my mentor would say to me—erv, it’s not at good as it looks or as bad as it looks; it will change. 

In athletics and basically everything, if a person has confidence, things seem to go way better for them.  And of course, the opposite is true toooooo.  Sooooo how does a person get confidence?  Does success help? Probably. Long run of failures? Probably not. GeorgeTheCrook says—Some folks can handle failure much better than others; some will never try anything for the fear of failure (i.e. they probably will never be an entrepreneur but maybe an accountant).  I heard that an average business owner will fail 4.5 times before success. JoeBlow says—Do you know that many times the bean counters end up running the companies?  Yes they do.  Why is that do you think?

We have neighbors, family, friends, acquaintances, and even folks we really don’t know very well that give us food (i.e. good folks with good hearts).  It’s really good stuff let me tell you.  We really appreciate it; yes we do; no question.  A couple of our friends really make me laugh; yes, you gals do (i.e. you know who you are).  One gal usually says—It’s what we eat; it’s nothing fancy.  The other one says—I don’t cook very much anymore; you know me.....zero confidence in my cooking!!! They just make me laugh! Then we have other friends (i.e. a husband and wife team) that bring gourmet food.  And we have many of you who bake banana bread for us (i.e. especially for me). I have never tasted a bad loaf! 

I heard a sport announcer call a player “ultra confident.”  I never heard that before.  What does that mean?  How can you tell if a person is “ultra confident?” What do you think of this comment I have heard a friend say--Being confident and being cocky are not the same thing.  AverageJoe says--You should be confident in your abilities and who you are, but you should never brag about them or be boastful about your accomplishments. Remember that being loud and being truly confident are not the same thing. Just because someone is loud about what they are doing or what they have accomplished, it does not mean that they are truly confident. I know many of you folks quite well (i.e. I think soooo anyway or you are fooling me ha ha).  Many of you are confident folks. I know that and besides being confident, you are humble.  Goodness gracious alive!

LouLouLou says--Christians need to have the humility to concede that how the universal love of God and the particularity of Jesus fit together isn’t exactly clear (i.e. now that is for sure—my opinion--maybe). Furthermore, the fact that Christians belong to Jesus doesn’t mean Jesus belongs to us. We do not control Christ, nor do we have the authority to place restrictions on his love. Jesus the Good Shepherd has the freedom to call into his flock whomever he chooses, however he chooses, whenever he chooses. As C. S. Lewis observes in Mere Christianity, “God has not told us what His arrangements about the other people are” (p. 65). But as for me, and I hope for you as well, I intend to take Jesus at his word.

Even though some of you are sooo confident that you are right, you still don’t always get it right! ha ha  A distantrelativein-lawFran (i.e. has a lot of confidence) sent me this pic of her refrigerator with a note which part of it said--erv these sayings that I have on my refrigerator and as you can see I fail them miserably. She is a good person with a good heart (i.e. my kind of person).  ANYWAY, ain’t that the truth now that we fail miserably sometimes. I have a tendency to say to folks—I try!  I think the person who think they are perfect, are not (i.e. fooling themselves); they just think soooo. I admit that I’m a hypocrite but at least I admit it some of the time; the times when I’m not perfect (i.e. which is ALWAYS)!  ha ha

The other day I took Arlene to an assisted living/dementia care facility to visit a gal from our church (i.e. and to make our rounds to see some other folks that we know). Arlene gets buggy in not getting out (i.e. the winter has been brutal).  ANYWAY, the gal who we were going to visit was in the common area playing bridge with other gals of the community.  All four gals we know as some go to the same church, some Arlene played bridge with for years and also socialized with for years.  All reacted to Arlene differently (i.e. that is always soooo interesting to me).  That experience and maybe just being in the care facility (i.e. particular the dementia section) really dissolved the little confidence Arlene had.  It was really hard on her. My intuition was that she saw her reality.  Such is life.

Here is an opportunity/suggestion to make all our lives better (i.e. it’s universal to all; yes, it can be done by  everyone of you and it costs nuttin and it takes very minimal time and effort; it doesn’t get much better than this folks; the only thing it takes is for you to do it; it won’t help if you don’t do it; bingo).  It is to encourage yourself.  I heard in one of my video devotions recently that the first thing we should do in the morning is say something positive to ourselves; it will affect our whole day (i.e. set the tone of the whole day).  It develops confidence in ourselves; it’s an uplift.  JoeBlow says—One of the most powerful ways to ruin someone’s confidence is to ignore them.  Sooooo don’t ignore yourself, say sometime positive to yourself the first thing in the morning; do it while stretching or while going to the bathroom or whenever.  Make it part of your routine. 

I have no idea why but it was what it was.  I got Arlene up early last Saturday morning to go to the bathroom.  She was happy and seemed stronger physically and mentally than she has been for a long time.  She said to me—do something.  Crazy!  I text our son, Chet and asked if we could come for a short time to see them and Charlie and Rookie.  It worked out soooo I got Arlene some breakfast, gave her a shower, washed her hair, got her dressed, brushed her teeth etc. and we headed to Waukee for a 2.5-hour visit.  Some of you think we are crazy spending 3.5 hours on the road for a 2.5-hour visit.  Believe me, it was worth it; maybe the last time it will happen.  We played charades and Charlie and Rookie put on a magic show for us.  Right after Jessica took the picture of us, Rookie says to me—Grandpa, you have hair growing in your ears!  What a hoot. The visit was soooo fun but yet soooo sad. Some of you will understand and others of you won’t; I understand. 

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

erv 

MyFriendJean says—Truth has to only change hands a few times to become fiction.

mum's the word

There are folks who might think this “It’s Saturday” sounds delusional, crazy, cannibalistic, and repulsive. Now they might be wacko or right on target.  Now you get to decide.  Read at your own risk. But remember what ItchieBitchie says—When we make assumptions, we contribute to the complexity rather than the simplicity of a problem, making it more difficult to solve.

How do you decide what is “delusional, crazy, cannibalistic, and repulsive?”  I have no idea that is for sure but I have some ideas.  You do tooooo if you are honest and look at the truth.  One of my ideas is our past and current environment influences our decision.  I realize I say that a lot but folks, it is very obvious; isn’t it.  Many folks always don’t like to admit it (i.e. mum’s the word). Honest self-evaluation is very hard and for some it’s impossible.  I admit that sometimes I wonder if I understand anything correctly!  When I was a lad, I thought having a shack on a lake, with my dog Blackie and my horse Queen and my rifle and my fishing pole would fit me alright (i.e. a simple life).  I sometimes wonder if that still would be alright. ha ha  JoeBlow says—Isn’t that what the monks and priests do? But without a horse and a dog and a rifle and fishing pole and surely no women?

When is the last time you laughed soooo hard you cried?  My big sister (i.e. only in age) sent me an article called, How Can I Laugh at a Time Like This.  It said that laughing is soooo important for all us, especially caregivers.  It said many caregivers don’t laugh anymore (i.e. after all, what is funny).  Bob Newhart once said—Laughter gives us distance. It allows us to step back from an event, deal with it, and then move on.  When our “caregiving support group” meets, many times we laugh very hard (i.e. I don’t think I ever cried though).  What we laugh about, most of you wouldn’t understand I don’t think.  Soooo mum’s the word about these things to you guys. 

Myoldercouz, the one who went through the pain rehab at Mayo, told me that they said a person needs to laugh at least three times a day.  Sooooo I get this email from a pickleball buddy, John (i.e. anybody can be a John), which said-- My High School Principal told me 56 years ago, and I have never forgotten.(Experience is the bestTeacher, but it charges like a Specialist). I tell you what John, I have learned my share from the best teacher and I have paid the specialist rate!  And I’m still learning.  I only wish I could be as smart as you (i.e. not many are but maybe the reason you are soooo smart is what your principal told you 56 years ago).  Could be.  Maybe! You get all the breaks! Such is life.

Abraham Lincoln (i.e. one of my heroes) was very good at using humor in the most difficult of times.  Some say that is what kept his existence.  He loved to tell humorous stories at the most unlikely of times (i.e. at times of grimmest situations which drove some of his colleagues crazy).  In the article that my big sister (i.e. only in age) sent me said “to learn how to laugh now and not wait for someday.”  The end of the article said—"Caregivers, take care of yourself” (i.e. that is almost funny to caregivers).  Caregivers hear that all the time from many sources, but it is very hard to do (i.e. now that ain’t funny folks).  ha ha Why that is soooo funny to caregivers is that to take care of themselves, they need help from the people who say that.

                                                                                                                                                                 

I wonder about some friends, acquaintances, and etc. who might have had some bad experiences during their childhood or during their adult life that they have never told anyone (i.e. mum’s the word).  Maybe those past experiences have really messed up their life.  We now seem to hear more about adults who say they have been sexually or physically or mentally molested by different folks and how hurting it has been.  I wonder how many there are who will never spill the beans (i.e. maybe that is partly the reason they are as they are). I can understand that, somewhat, but not really as I have not experienced what they have.  It appears it can really help to share those hurt with someone who they can completely trust. But, you got to find that person who you can completely trust (i.e. someone who lives up to the expression “mum’s the word.”  I have some friends who I think I could do that with; you know who you are.  And some folks have “leakage of the mouth” that I probably wouldn’t tell. 

Tom Sawyer said to Huck Finn—“Oh, shucks, Huck Finn, if I was as ignorant as you, I’d keep still—that is what I’d do.”  Have you every felt like saying that to anyone?  SusieQ says—I have but toooo be politically correct and be the social queen, mum’s the word!  That is unless I’m in my elite clique: then it’s “a point getter” to bash someone who we think are lower on the social pickin’ ladder than us!  MissPerfect (i.e. who is better than the best) says--Let me tell ya, I can bash with the best; maybe I am the best; that is why I’m mother queen a.k.a. the alpha basher of the most elite clique!

Grumpy… would say—Can you keep it under your hat; play dumb; don’t let the cat out of the bag; don’t let on; don’t breathe a word; seal up your lips; can you do that?  The late Grumpy… (i.e. an Iowa legislator/independent insurance agent) told me this story while he and I were using adjoining urinals at an insurance meeting maybe 35 years ago—If you want something spread through the Capital, find the right person who loves to spread crap (i.e. a regular loud speaker) while using the adjoining urinal and tell them what you want spread. Tell them not to tell anyone.  Everyone will know it in a hour! It’s a great political move; it works every time.

Grumpy’s  “Mum’s the word” is the best way to spread the word even if it’s not true. Now they call it “leaking” or “fake news.” But now, it appears, words are used for the purpose of destroying. It appears that much of what is said in today’s culture is cosmetic veneer which causes most folks to believe nuttin anyone says any more (i.e. unless you are really totally, already brain washed—which maybe most of us maybe are). P. T. Barnum has said to have coined the phrase—“There is a sucker born every minute.”  And I think I could be the sucker! LuckieEddie (i.e. who can be an air horn at times) says—This is a crazy world we live in; sometimes it’s hard to make sense out of it.  LuckieEddie, it appears it has always been this way throughout all history; it ain’t nuttin new (i.e. it’s a continuous rerun—nothing changes in the story; just different actors using new technology)! I, like you, are probably the actors (i.e. some actors seem to be better than others)! Crazy!

Saturday question—Can you keep your mouth shut or is your mouth a public address system?  May I give you a suggestion?  If the person who you are going to share something with talks about others’ lives, well, they will do the same of you even if they say they won’t (i.e. mum’s the word they say); you are not that special even if you think you are; you are not and they will tell others what you asked them not to repeat.  Don’t trust them.  I was told by onesmartperson that if folks won’t talk about their personal shortcomings and their faults but always about someone else’s, well, be leery of them (i.e. they probably are big gossipers with huge massive noses).  I think onesmartperson learned that from experience (i.e. experience is a mean teacher). 

Mum's the word is a popular English idiom. It is related to an expression used by William Shakespeare, in Henry VI, Part 2. The word “mum” is a slanged version of momme, which was used between 1350-1400 in Middle English with very close to the same meaning: Be silent; Do not reveal. How do I know this? I goggled it (i.e. I’m not that smart). Tom Sawyer said to Huck Finn—“It ain’t no use to try to learn you nothing.”

CadillacJack (i.e. who can act like a prehistoric man at times) says—The meaning of words has been reduced to a personal affinity in our modern culture which produces some interesting implications.  Sooooo those implications can really affect us if we like it or not; I think they do (i.e. they are our current environment which will become our past environment).  It will probably affect future generations.  The old saying goes something like this—It will take one or two or three generations to correct the implications (i.e. to get the pendulum to swing the other direction).  Such is life.  Sign outside a second-hand shop read:  We exchange anything – bicycles, washing machines, etc. Why not bring your wife along and get a wonderful bargain?

Off-putting!  That is an interesting word; I never heard of it before (i.e. I heard of putting off though).  But you got to remember that I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN.  ANYWAY, I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it and “off-putting” was in what I read.  Here is part of it (i.e. our modern culture doesn’t allow many of us to read anything that is tooooo long). ha ha  Tooooo many folks of the younger generations, think Christianity is countercultural; it swims against the stream of contemporary life…There are a lot of theories as to why church leaders look out on so much empty lumber on Sunday mornings—lower birth rates, institutional irrelevance, fuzzy theology—but sometimes I find myself wondering if the demands of the gospel are simply too off-putting for people nowadays. The problem is not that the theology is fuzzy but that it is alarmingly clear—there is a cost to discipleship, and the cost is to die to yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus. “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?”…To the crowds listening to Jesus that day, his words sounded delusional, crazy, cannibalistic, repulsive. “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him” (John 6:66). And so many people today also turn back. What do you think of that? That is what I thought. GeorgeTheCrook says—I live it up today and die tomorrow!

I am going to have a new experience, yes I am.  I’m going to an Ash Wednesday service and have the ash cross put on my forehead.  I’m also going to fast on Ash Wednesday and also on Good Friday (i.e. never did that before either).  I read this in the Catholic Charities Newsletter—"Many will celebrate Lent in traditional ways with prayer and fasting. During Lent, we are asked to focus more intently on the third pillar of Lenten practice, Almsgiving.  Almsgiving is the practice of donating money or goods to the poor and performing other acts of charity.” I think I might try this as well.   How about you guys giving it a shot? 

The midnight ride – of Paul for beer – led to a warmer – hemisphere – Burma Shave

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—The greatest risk may be in not taking one.