live in my world

Herbert Henry Asquith, the British prime minister from 1908 to 1916, said, “The war office kept three sets of figures. One to mislead the public, another to mislead the Cabinet, and the third to mislead itself.” Disclaimer: This “It’s Saturday” is not intended to mislead you in any way but it could without even trying.  Sooooo please, take that into consideration when reading this “It’s Saturday.”  I can’t control how your mind works; I don’t know if you can even do that.  Such is life.

I have many friends who I really enjoy being around (i.e. you guys).  I have some who seem toooo sorta kinda understand me more than others and I think I sorta kinda understand them more than some (i.e. you know if you are one of those folks). You and I sorta kinda seem to be on the same wave length. One such friend says that his wife just doesn’t understand what we think and talk about (i.e. maybe we are in our own strange worlds).  ha ha

A friend sent me this: "A FRIEND MAY WELL BE RECKONED THE MASTERPIECE OF NATURE" To stand in true relations with men in a false age is worth a fit of insanity, is it not? We can seldom go erect. Almost every man we meet requires some civility, – requires to be humored; he has some fame, some talent, some whim of religion or philanthropy in his head that is not to be questioned, and which spoils all conversation with him. But a friend is a sane man who exercises not my ingenuity, but me. My friend gives me entertainment without requiring any stipulation on my part. A friend, therefore, is a sort of paradox in nature. I who alone am, I who see nothing in nature whose existence I can affirm with equal evidence to my own, behold now the semblance of my being, in all its height, variety, and curiosity, reiterated in a foreign form; so that a friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.  by Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803 –        I’ll let that sink in for a bit!  Some of you will understand that and others won’t, and some don’t have a clue if they do or don’t!  Such is life.

This is something that not all of you folks will understand; I understand that.  Here it is—St. Jerome, who died in 420 near Bethlehem, wrote, “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Til your good is better and your better is best.” But some of you will understand it; maybe you are lucky or unlucky!  ha ha

I read in the paper, soooo it must be right, that couples who made less than $100,000 in 2018 paid no income tax.  I would think the under $100,000 would comprise of quite a number of folks.  BUT I miss read the article; I didn’t read it all.  How many times do we do that, or we miss understand what we read or what another person says?  I understood it the way I thought I understood it, but reality is, I totally misunderstood the content of the article because I already decided what it was saying in the way I understood it to mean.  Now I might be hard to understand! 

JoeBlow says--I hear but I don't listen! I was visiting by phone with my big sister (i.e. only big in age) recently and I don’t think she understood what I really was saying.  It was ok because what I was trying to say wasn’t that important.  This miscommunication happens all the time.  We think others understand what we are saying but they really don’t, or they are trying to tell us something and we just don’t get it.  LuckieEddie says--It’s been this way for ever; that ain’t nuttin new.  Many times we interpret talk as we want to hear it or by our past or current environment; we are programed.  ItchieBitchie says—Sometimes what we hear the least is what we need the most and what we hear the most we need the least!  Ouchy ouchy! 

CrazyMarvin says—A lie detector does not reveal the truth but only what a person believes.  Or as Mark Twain said—It’s not the lies that really mess us up but what we think that is true but ain’t soooo!  Maybe I am some form of a velvet-voiced mystic that is confused and confounded but I think that some things what I think are important and true. But all of us don’t seem to think the same.  We don’t live in the same world; our minds are different (i.e. I read in the paper soooo it must right that no two folks are the same). 

Albert Einstein once said—"We physicists know that the distinction between past, present and future is only an illusion, no matter how persistent.” Do you understand that?  I don’t but your mind might be in a different world than mine.  I wonder if even Mr. Einstein understood it.  What do you think? That is what I thought.  But I do think that past does affect our present and our present does affect our future; what we do does affect what is going to happen to us (i.e. my opinion living in my world; your world might be different).  JoeBlow says—All genuine learning is active; not passive (i.e. now I think I can understand that ha ha).   

JoeJohnSmith says—erv erv, in general, my op-ed understanding is different to what you think; I’m way toooo impetus for your thinking.  I operate from the seat of my pants; I always have.  JoeJohnSmith, good or bad, I agree with you; you are who you are.  We are all different now aren’t we (e.g. we think others are brainwashed and we aren’t, Da!).  I was visiting with a friend and they told me that they don’t need social approval to be happy.  I would agree pretty much with his statement as I have known this person for a long time, and it does appear that is true.  Soooooo the reality is—That person doesn’t care what I think! ha ha  HeadShrinkerJoe says—Well now, maybe all of us need some approval if we admit it or not! 

We all live in our own different worlds (i.e. which most other folks probably won’t understand)! I was talking to a fellow caregiver at the grocery store about his wife who has Alzheimer’s recently. He was telling me how his life has really changed.  He and his wife do things now that are soooo simple but quite rewarding.   He said—I never thought I would be doing them 10 years ago; we seem to enjoy them together. We talked about doing hobbies and interest that we enjoy (e.g. simple things that we can do together with our wives—things others don’t do because they are toooo busy etc.). He said we do them at a very slow pace; I always did things very fast (i.e. like wide open fast). This guy has amazed me; I am just surprised how he has adapted his life for his wife; I haven’t really known him very well, but my hat really goes off to him.  Our relationship has really changed because of Mr. Alzheimer’s. 

Saturday question—Are you doing things that you really enjoy?  Here is an idea that I read that I seem to do more now living my simple life style.  I do things first thing in the morning that I really enjoy and want to do.  You might not enjoy what I enjoy but I really enjoy them, and they are also very important to me.  I mediate/pray and exercise.  They are my priorities.  I enjoy them (i.e. for the most part). Of course, I have my coffee (i.e. recently I have been drinking one of my favorite brands given to me by a friend—thanksamillion my friend)! I have a friend who exercises every day.  He was telling me that he has done it for years and if he doesn’t do it, he feels guilty; he just can’t miss.  I’m sorta kinda that way but I don’t think I feel as guilty as he does. ha ha I think I have some “slacker” in me than he doesn’t! Or he might just be a little crazier than me. ha ha You folks are saying—I don’t want to live in your worlds!

Ever year about this time I do a spread sheet of our financial status.  My mentor taught me to do this as he said it is good to see where you are and in case you die, your kids can figure everything out much easier.  I had tooooo laugh; yes I did.  In the column of personal property—Our car is worth maybe $7,000, motorcycle $3,500, golf cart $500, snow blower $150, lawn mower maybe $40, my golf clubs $0, ok maybe $15!  Now let’s go in the house—we have a comfortable house decorated comfortably for us—you couldn’t sell all of our contents for more than $3,000 (i.e. I might be way toooo optimistic).  C’mon! We got to be realistic. I was in the RE business for a lot of years; most of this stuff isn’t worth much or anything.  The kids might (i.e. big on the might) take a few things but it’s easier for them to get the biggest dumpster they can get and throw it all in there than to go through all the trouble of a sale for a few hundred bucks apiece.  Now that is our world folks. Another thing, my wardrobe couldn’t even be given away! Oh, one more thing—cash in the bank is worth what it is (i.e. no false emotional evaluation), and everyone likes it (i.e. and it’s easy to liquidate)!

I was given my set of irons when I retired by our children and spouses (Burner Plus) 10 years ago.  They were what I wanted.  The set didn’t have a sand wedge soooo I used my old one (i.e. a Hogan that I got out of the bargain barrel for $5).  I never liked it.  Soooo this spring, I decided I would buy one to fit my Tailormade irons.  They are very hard to find; almost impossible.  I finally found one on eBay but had to pay more than I thought I should (i.e. many of you think I’m a sucker).  I think it’s just supply and demand!  It’s whatever the market will bear (i.e. one person’s trash is another person’s treasure). There are suckers, like me. Suckers are born every day! ANYWAY, the value of my clubs just went up!  I’m actually happy and excited about this purchase. Yabut, it seems when I buy, I pay toooo much and when I sell, I don’t get enough!  Such is my world! Saturday question—What are you a sucker for?

I had a grandma/friend tell me that one of her grand kids said to her—Grandma, it’s only $100!  You mostly have no idea what our net worth is. And I might not know what your net worth is, or your annual income is as far as that goes (i.e. your annual income might be $275,000).  Sooo you might say to me about buying that Taylormade sand wedge—It’s only $100 erv!  Some of you say—it’s only a $1,000, only $20,000, only $100,000, only $500,000 or it’s only a $1,000,000.  But you know what, you are all good folks (i.e. except for one of you and you know who you are).  Our worlds are just a little different!  Besides, it’s only money! Such is life.

In my world, it appears that I sometimes rationalize and don’t deal with situations the way they really are (i.e. at least sometimes). I think in ways to make myself feel good but aren’t necessarily true or correct or reality.  That is why folks hire expert advisers who aren’t sentimental to the situation to give a non-bias opinion. Many times we won’t listen to them, even if it’s the best interest for us.  I have read in the Bible that wisdom is listening to wise counsel.  Of course, if you don’t believe in the Bible, it doesn’t matter to ya (i.e. even if you don’t believe in the Bible, it might still be good advice).  I think we have a tendency to rationalize to make ourselves feel better. I need to admit it folks, it’s hard for me to admit when I’m not getting it done!  JoeBlow said—Of course, it’s very easy to be witty tomorrow, after you got a chance to do some research and rehearse your ad libs. Like the saying goes—It will all shake out!

Life in my world—I called a pluming shop and inquired about a cost of a new hot water heater.  They said it would be X many dollars including the removal of the old one. I bought it and when I got the bill it was for about $180 more.  They didn’t tell me that there would be some cost for some parts and an installation cost.  I didn’t ask and they didn’t tell me. I lol. If I do business with them again, I will ask soooo many questions that they won’t want to do business with me (i.e. obviously I have tooooo).  Caveat emptor—Let the buyer beware. 

A friend brought over left-over Easter dinner for Arlene and me.  That was a super nice jester.  Besides, it was good.  I learned again how special kindness feels.  I thanked her. I also learned something that I am not very good at.  She said—erv, you are very much welcome (i.e. she said it in a very humble, happy, loving, joyful, sincere tone—not in “puff me up way” at all).  I don’t know if I ever say – you are welcome.  Maybe I’m missing an opportunity. My opinion--This experience was a win-win for both of us. It’s like buying a meal for a street person with your Easter money from grandma and grandpa!  By Monday, you will forget the candy or some little toy you bought, but, maybe, you might not ever forget the experience you created for yourself and, maybe, made someone’s life a little better.

I am sharing this with her permission.  Life in her world—A friend passed on.  I asked his wife by email  ~  Will you tell me what your emotions are without him?  ~  I describe it as traveling in an unfamiliar territory, no map, no GPS, in the twilight, no destination or itinerary, alone with him not asking directions along the way=)!  Mostly unfamiliar and uncomfortable.  ~  I don’t understand your emotions as I’m not living in your world but that surely gives me a flavor. The best to you.       Many of you folks who have lost spouses know exactly what she is going through.  I feel for you and also wish you the best.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—If you get something for a song, watch out for the accompanist.

there are always exceptions

Wernher von Braum, he of rocket technology fame, said—The best computer is a man, and it’s the only one that can be mass produced by unskilled labor.

John Quincy Adams said--“Duty is Ours; Results are God’s” I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--LouLouLou says--But still we are curious. Curiosity about what will happen to others is an idle distraction. This is God’s business, not ours. Here in the Gospel of John, Peter asks what will become of a fellow disciple: “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus says, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” How the Almighty intends to deal with others is above your pay grade. It is a curtain behind which you may not look. We may be genuinely concerned about the spiritual health and welfare of friends and loved ones. But in the final analysis, this is not our business. Your business, and mine, is simply this: “You follow me!” ItchieBitchie says—See, there are always exceptions; exceptions to what you think for sure.

MissPerfect says--The wild-eyed ideologues and the deranged can make me google eyed. What is the source of authority in your life; like what rules your life; like what directs you? I was thinking of a deceased man who has died maybe 15 years ago.  He was more an acquaintance/client and maybe not a friend. He maybe was somewhat powerful in his church of his choice, maybe was involved in his political party of choice in his county, and for sure did accumulate quite a bit of wealth. He maybe was considered by some as a good man and by others maybe not and some really didn’t care.  I really don’t know what his source of authority really was.  He seemed to give me mixed messages. I would guess his kids were happy he accumulated his wealth when he died though; I would guess soooo anyway! But there are always exceptions.

I smell a little hierarchy here! A friend who manages maybe a team of 25 folks in the corporate world told me that there is one person in their team who creates many problems for all the members of the team (i.e. this guy might sit around all day thinking he is important).  Everyone knows of his disruption and have expressed it to my friend their captain. He tells the team members that this guy will not be canned as he is the pet of his boss’ boss (i.e. corporate hierarchy world) soooo he tells his team to understand who he is and make the most of it; adjust and work around the problem; learn to make the most of it.  I read this in the paper soooo it must be right—Forbes did an article once that said that there are employees who are completely unaware how they affect other people. Sometimes a tactful, non-confrontational discussion can help call attention to the matter. But sometimes people must just be aware that if they work with a – holes, they simply work with a – holes! Of course there are always exceptions.   Scott Adams, the creator of the Dilbert cartoon, said, “The amount of energy spent laughing at a joke should be directly proportional to the hierarchical status of the joke teller.”

BigPictureJoe says--Some folks are just discriminatory; that’s maybe because of their environment or past environment.  I watched a lot of NCAA men’s basketball (i.e. I enjoy basketball and also ‘cause it’s a good entertainment for my life style).  ANYWAY, I think it discriminates!  Not about race or age or money or power but by officiating.  I do!  The calls are not fair or the lack of calls.  I think teams need to be really lucky to win (i.e. the proof is in the pudding).  I think it’s unfair!  Saturday question—Could life be that way; do you think some folks get more breaks than others? Hey, life isn’t fair, the only thing that’s fair is the Butler County Fair and that’s in June!

JoePharisee says--We all have discretion in life.  We have to make a decision as to what we want to do.  We all have that freedom.  We all get to decide what we think is right or wrong.  SusieQ asks—How do I know what is right or wrong? How do I get this good judgement? Coach B says—Move in the right direction; if we don’t, then we are automatically moving in the wrong direction.  Doing nothing is an automatic movement in the wrong direction.  Now think about that folks.  WorldClassLarry says—It’s pretty easy to do nuttin. LuckieEddie says--It's not foresight or hindsight we need. We need to see what is right in front of us.

Breaking news! The Schaafsma family farm in Wichert, IL, will not raise gladiolas this year; it’s the first year in 85-90 years.  Arlene’s brother, Craig, and sister-in-law, Julia, are retiring.  They have been doing it for 41 years after their parents and grandparents raised gladiolas on the same farm.  Probably gladiolas will never be raised on the farm again. Things change folks! Arlene claimed to be the best gladiola buncher there ever was in Wichert! She was also was on the Gladiola Queen Court for the Gladiola Festival (i.e. it was a big deal back then). Craig says--…at one time there were dozens of growers in the area with over 600 acres of gladiolus grown. At one point, it was recognized as the gladiolus capitol of the Midwest! He also told me that a lot of agriculture in the area has changed; very little flowers, vegetables, etc. are raised anymore. Probably some changes were forced by money and maybe some for other reasons.  It seems that many changes seem not to happen unless forced.  GeorgeTheCrook says—It appears that soooo many times change is done tooooo late; it’s not proactive but reactive.                                   

JoeBlow says--At some point we don’t have to try to be soooo perfect.  We can’t be perfect; we can try but we will never be; it just can’t happen; no matter how great you are or think you are.  John Wesley believed and promoted this--Prevenient Grace--Wesley understood grace as God’s active presence in our lives. This presence is not dependent on human actions or human response. It is a gift — a gift that is always available, but that can be refused. I think this is accurate; I can relate to this.  I understand that some of you are more legalistic; I don’t think I am but I could be but I hope not.  SmuckieJoe says—There are always exceptions! BigBrainBob says—I loathe at improvisation; I want hard scientific facts!

ItchieBitchie says--There always exceptions but…! I had a good conversation with a friend (i.e. sorta kinda a retired commercial scientist) recently. He said that many folks don’t believe in science; he doesn’t understand why they don’t. He indicated that many folks seem to believe in pseudoscience but not real science.  I have no idea sometimes what is real science and what is pseudoscience is; I can’t tell the difference.  Sooooo I asked a real smart person at breakfast if they could help me here; they said--Dad...that was like a 30min part of our conversation!! Yes it was! I will try to summarize the 30-minute conversation with this: Many folks hear what they want to hear; that is why many folks are soooo easy to fool. I read a novel recently that for the reporter to get information from different folks, he held out money; then those folks would squawk.  Well, I didn’t have to hold out any money to get this information but just had to buy breakfast!  ha ha Then this week it was announced that scientists have taken a picture of the “black hole”, a cosmic place of no return.  It’s 55 million light years away from earth and is as big as our entire solar system.  Ta-da!  They claim that this is scientific fact and not from Star Wars (i.e. science fiction has become scientific fact). I asked Scientist Jim/engineer/amateur astronomer/ friend if this scientific fact will enable more scientists to believe in God (i.e. some scientists won’t believe in God as everything has to be scientific proven—they don’t believe in faith)?  His response was--erv.....I don’t believe that it will have much effect either way. It is “merely” an amazing technical feat that reinforces an earlier theory. He later told me by phone that there are scientists that are believers of God and also scientists who are non-believers; each of different levels and thinking; pretty much like the general public.  Saturday question—Is believing in God different than talking about science (i.e. like talking about apples and oranges)?  Another smart person said--The subjects of Easter and the second coming of Christ have never been popular to any but the true believers. Oneneatperson said to me—erv, the folks who attend the church you do, none of them think of God exactly the same.  Soooooo true, oneneatguy! I think there is a possibility that there might be a wide range.

I always pay a lot of attention to guys who have multiple pens and etc. in their pocket.  That is why I listen to MyFriendJim who says--Your question, "is believing in God different than talking about science ?" certainly needs a comment. Belief in God is an absolute concept,...based on faith, and perhaps reinforced (or sometimes diminished) by observations....., but ultimately based on faith. Science,on the other hand, in its strictest sense, is never absolute,....and is always based on observations of nature, which support or refute whatever scientific premise is theorized. The more observational support that a theory receives,............the more credibility it earns by scientists. As an example, the theory of gravity, is commonly called "The Law of Gravity", since it has had so much observational support, whereas Einstein's "Theory of Relativity", while widely accepted (because of lots of observational support), is still called a theory. The same might be said about Darwin's "Theory of Evolution",.........which many Fundamental Christians, dispute. So.........bottom line: Belief in God is Faith based / Science is based on observations. At least, that is my opinion. ~  You can see why I always enjoy hanging around this guy!

A friend won the ticket lottery and got tickets to the Masters on Sunday.  The odds are very long in having this happen. He gets all the breaks! Why is he such a lucky dog? I tried but I didn’t win.  How come? The old saying is—The more I try, the luckier I get.  Soooo I will keep trying.  Arlene and I have really enjoyed watching the Masters through the years; by far my favorite golf tournament.  We did go to a practice round in 2007; what a treat that was.  It is soooo beautiful (i.e. unbelievable).  Also, I’m a big fan of Bobby Jones who was a unique person/golfer and was very instrumental in the Masters.  Like they advertise it—It’s a tradition like no other! I’m an exception alright—I know no other person who wears a Bobby Jones cap.  Crazy! Heather, our daughter, sent me this text last weekend—Jimmer (i.e. age 7) and I are watching The Masters. He wanted to know why that guy who hit the tree doesn’t get another chance.  I lol!

It is more than an exception, it’s reality.  I met some new folks at a new pickleball venue. There were some folks that I questioned their ability when I saw some of them, but I ended up really enjoying them.  Great folks.  Again, I relearned the lesson. The reality is, there are nice folks wherever I play.  Yes, they play hard and I play hard but winning isn’t everything; in fact, it’s really not that important to me in the big picture. Our son and I have a traditional saying that goes like this—It’s a lot more fun to win than to lose; that is if your goal is to win. Again, it was my bad in thinking that about some of those folks! I just can’t say any more than that! Can any of you folks relate to that? BUT I enjoy playing with folks of about my ability level! ha ha  I have this Buzza Motto on the wall:

There are exceptions toooooo doing it the old way! A friend told me that they did all their tax work electronically this year.  They scanned and emailed all their information to their tax preparer; he prepared their taxes, emailed them a copy for them for a Docu-Sign, and then they email it back.  They sent their preparation cost by Venmo to their preparer (i.e. they told me that is what the younger folks are using) and bingo, it was done. Crazy! OldTimmerBill says—I still like to bring my shoebox of stuff in, visit with my preparer, and come back later to sign and pay with my check and of course pick up a new free ball point pen to put with the other 20 I have in the drawer; I’ve always done it that way; I want to get my money’s worth.  Besides, I don’t trust that electronic stuff! 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—An apology is the superglue of life—it can repair just about anything.

O, that's somethin'!

Some of you might consider this a “hot dog/Bush Lite It’s Saturday” and not a prime rib affair.  I understand that.  Any you know what?  It might be.  I’m alright with that!  As the song goes—After you have been having steak for a long time, beans beans taste fine!

SusieQ says--We have investigated erv and found out that he has done nuttin wrong?  Well, who’s the we?  We want folks from our side to do the investigation!  ha ha O, that’s somethin’!  CadillacJack says—The computer and it’s friend, the robot a.k.a. artificial intelligence, can do more work faster than a human because it doesn’t have to answer the phone, talk about sports, put on cosmetics, take a lunch break, go to the bathroom, deal with political issues, deal with a union, deal with vacations, deal with pregnancies, snowstorms, sick kids, strikes, holidays, overtime etc. And you know what, a robot ain’t bias in any way but the programmers might be! You got it.  AverageJoe says—It’s all about the money folks; don’t’ kid yourself.  Joesixpack says—This ain’t no jargon folks but it ain’t no dictum neither. Ohhhhh, one more thing, DallasWizard says—Part of the inhumanity of the computer is that, once it is competently programmed and working smoothly (i.e. well oiled), it is completely honest and is not partisan. Ouchy ouchy!

Maybe------- I read the Cliff Notes on TheBigFella.  It says he makes a lot of noise but doesn’t say much. ItchieBitchie says—He has a lot of prideful ingratitude!  Ouchy ouchy! TheBigFella is not inspiring and carries no clout.  But the women like him. He has whatever it takes! They just crawl all over him.  Well, some women do (i.e. the ones who are easily fooled).  O, that’s somethin’!

Henry Vardon was a pioneer English golfer who was particularly known for his recommended way to grip a club.  He said, “More matches are lost through carelessness at the beginning than any other cause.”  Soooo folks, what are some careless issues at the beginning that really have hurt your cause, your kids’ cause, or your friends’ cause? Soooo how important is a good start (i.e. good fundamentals)?  CadillacJack says—Yes, a good start can be advantageous, but many poor starts have been overcome.  I agree CadillacJack, I agree.   O, that’s somethin’ alright!

LouLouLou says--When you are going through a hard time, you need people to come and stand by you. They don’t solve your problems or take away your pain. But if they stand by you in your suffering, it means a lot. After a lifetime of ministry, trying to stand by people who are going through a terrible ordeal, I have learned that often you don’t have to say anything. It’s your presence that counts. People seldom remember the words you speak when you visit them, but they never forget that you came. O, that’s something.

The other night Arlene looks at me and moaned and mumbled.  I asked her what she wanted (i.e. she can’t express herself vocally very well).  I asked—do you want to go to the bathroom—no—do you want to go to bed—no—soooo what do you want—don’t know!  She and I lol.  I really think that is funny as soooo many times we want something but don’t know what we want, or we can’t really express it.  O, that’s somethin’ folks. George Burns said—By the time you’re 80 years old, you’ve learned everything. You only have to remember it. I learned from our home care provider this week something that I didn’t’ know before.  She told me that folks with Alzheimer’s don’t know if they are hungry.  Soooo they might not eat or they might eat all the time. They just don’t know either way.  I think Arlene is that way. It seems crazy but I think it’s that way.  Such is Alzheimer's!

O, that’s something.  The golf announcers were telling stories of the late Arnold Palmer. Folks seemed to really like him. One comment was that he always made folks feel important; more important than himself.  ANYWAY, they told this story that made me laugh—When Mr. Palmer came into the room, you always knew he was there before you saw him because of his cologne; he always used Musk and you could smell him before you could see him.  I know women that wear certain perfume, always.  They stand out; no, they smell out! MissPerfect says—It covers up bad body odor!  Can you imagine going all winter without a bath like the old-timers did in the good old days?  Now that would be a case for a lot of Musk! 

I learned a very good lesson from a story a friend told me (i.e. the lesson wasn’t his intent, but it was really a good one for me).  He told me that he was invited to lunch with an acquaintance who had maybe some prestige (i.e. some would have really thought it was big time to have lunch with this person).  My friend wasn’t totally impressed and told him that he had to decline as his daughter had an activity that he wanted to attend.  What is really interesting is that my friend found out later (i.e. was suspicious of it) that his purpose of wanting to get together for lunch was for this acquaintance’s benefit (i.e. networking for money and power--his benefit).  O, that’s somethin’!  WorldClassLarry says—There are many folks who’s only purpose to want to get around you is for their benefit; they really don’t care that much about you (i.e. they are using you as a pawn); this can get rather weird folks!  Maybe my friend saw right through this guy (i.e. he is a very smart guy that has been around the block a few times).

I got up early recently, lite the fireplace, made some coffee and did some reading and thinking.  One thing I read that I found interesting is this—Each handicap is like a hurdle in a steeplechase, and when you ride up to it, if you throw your heart over, the horse will go along, too. That was interesting to me. Saturday question—Do any of you have a heart and a handicap? This must be about attitude I would guess.  I also read this—Each of us has a particular way of looking at the world, of interpreting events and the actions of people around us. This is our attitude, and it determines much of what happens to us in life. The human mind is malleable. We can learn from adversity, and we can create opportunities out of nothing. Soooooo Cupcake, we need toooo throw those chips down, get our butts of the couch and do something. Suck it up Cupcake and let’s get going! O, that’s somethin’!

I asked her why she is sooooo happy?  She said, I think--I'm content a.k.a. have peace. She also said she makes her bed.  She went on to say that folks who make their beds are happier; it's a physiological effect that affects folks.   What do you think of that?  That is what I thought.  Maybe it's much like folks' who have their car just full of junk.  You think sooooo?  MissPerfect says--It is sooooo easy and takes sooooo little time to make your bed but it can really affect a person (i.e. and anybody can do it).  

A friend called me recently and said—God has been tugging at my heart for some time that I need to spend time with Arlene.  I kept saying no.  Well, this morning I said yes; how and when can I come and spend time with Arlene?  This is crazy my friend, but I get invited to play pb with some folks on Tuesday nights, but I don’t want to leave Arlene alone soooo I can never go.  Would that work for you? Perfect.  She now has stayed with Arlene twice; they both had such a great experience.  Happenstance!  Na, I don’t think soooo.

The one and only:"the other Warren from Omaha” sent me this obituary with a note saying that this is the longest obit he has ever seen.  O, that’s somethin’ alright.  I wonder if she wrote it before she died! Da!  She might be thinking right now—Oh shouts, I think I forgot a thing or two! Darn it! I forgot the time I burnt the cookies in 1956!

Now you might find this obit funny; many folks have according to the article in the Waterloo Courier.  You might enjoy reading it and see what you think.  https://www.schluterbalikfuneralhome.com/obituary/tim-schrandt

 As Jamie described it on Facebook—What in Sam blazes!  I took Arlene to the bathroom at 3 a.m. and couldn’t get back to sleep.  I started thinking about what I was going to do the next day.  The optional list went on and on (i.e. I like spring).  Then I got up and saw that it snowed.  All my great plans were changed.  I had to laugh! That is how life goes! This forced change of plans actually was sorta kinda refreshing. O, that’s somethin’!

I recently met with a stock broker/financial planner who I do some business with.  He is a younger guy but we seem to be on the same page in many areas.  But I did tell him that I can put up with any broker with bad breath as long as they make me money!  ha ha  That is soooo true about many folks who don’t care about ethics, honesty, values etc. as long as they make them money.  Oh, that money!  ANYWAY, he told me that he wonders why he has been soooo fortunate to do well in this business.  He said that many folks are better at it than him, many work harder than he does, many are a lot smarter than him, we all have the same training, we basically all live amongst the same folks etc.  I don’t know for sure, but I have my thinking.  Think about that folks.

Again and again we see how money is such a great manipulator; don’t kid yourself folks.  But there are other manipulators but maybe not as great but close.  DuaneTheWorm says--The best way to turn a woman’s head is to tell her she has a beautiful profile. A friend, who is a missionary wrote this--To see kids get excited about something gets us excited.  After all, a big part of ministry is simply having fun with people and showing them the great joys which can be found in enjoying life.  There is a time to be serious and to concentrate, and then there is also a time to loosen up and enjoy being with each other. O, that’s somethin’!

SlimieSlick says--It’s about them and not about you.  Most great communicators talk about the other person and not soooo much about themselves.  I read what RickieRick says while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--If you want to connect with people, you start with their needs, not your own. Start with their hurts, not your own. Start with what they want, not what you want. There’s an old Chinese saying that says this: “Seek to understand before seeking to be understood.” The Bible puts it the same way. You need to be thoughtful of others first and not worry about people understanding you. You try to understand them. That’s how you make that first connection. Saturday question—Do all churches do this?

Oh ya, a six pack of Bush Lite could make folks say this statement--HOLD MY BEER A SECOND, I'M GONNA TRY SUMPTIN STUPID!  CrazyMarvin says—Oh ya, a six pack can made folks think they’re different than their reality is (i.e. like they are Superman/Superwoman or something).  It usually always gets folks in trouble, but folks seem to keep doing it (i.e. but it has no corn syrup). Da! Such is life.

You like onions? I do. You like hot dogs? I do occasionally.  Soooo the other noon for lunch I grilled a couple of dogs and put a lot of onions on them; I mean a lot.  Soooo many that it made my nose run; I did catch the run before it got on my dog thank goodness! ISU’s basketball coach, Steve Prohm, said this in the paper about one of his players who is leaving their program (i.e. one with a checkered history)--I wasn’t able to get him over the hump; I told him I loved him and wished him the best; I just wish I could have impacted him better. You can’t expect them to love you back the way you love them; you just got to do your best for each kid; at the end of the day, hopefully you built a foundation that will help them become successful.” I think that is class and wisdom (i.e. my opinion).  I just hope that we as people can make someone’s nose run because of all the love we have given them; soooo much love that it actually runs on their hot dog!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—When April rains come, some people see only puddles, while others see flowers.

a little rock n roll

Friends, this “It’s Saturday" is a bonafide effort to do the best I can even if you might think it’s a slapdash effort.  I’m trying my best!  All I can do is TRY! 

I think drug addicts say they need a fix when in need of some drug to stimulate them.  Saturday question—What kind of fix do you need a.k.a. a little rock n roll?  There a lot of “fixes” let me tell you and different ones for different folks.  No question (e.g. shopping, exercise, a get-away, eating ice cream, sun, a retreat, clean the house, watch March Madness, to be with the kids, to be away from the kids, sleep and God only knows what else). Caregivers call it a respite. 

TomTerrific a.k.a a blur point guard who is nuttin but nylon says—I like to be away from people at times but some folks need to be with people all the time and some need some of each.  A change of our environment, a change of scenery, an uplift, a refreshing time, a new stimulation, time to get out of our rut, a time to reflect and medicate, getting away from reality. You might think I’m crazy.  And I might be.  I made plans for a respite; even purchased my plane ticket.  Made plans for Arlene to be in a care facility.  After some time, I changed my mind.  I decided I would rather stay home with Arlene.  I really think it’s the right decision.  BUT maybe I’m wrong.  Maybe I will do one later when the circumstances are different. Could be; probably; maybe and maybe not.  Some of you will understand and some won’t; I understand. I feel very good with me decision. 

I stopped at a local business to get an estimate on a product I want her to do for me.  She had this on her wall.  It made me laugh! I had breakfast with a friend the other morning.  He told me that through the years he has had a lot of employees and fired some of them.  He said--They seem to all remember me when they see me and usually come and talk.  One such employee talked to him the other day; he dug basements for him. My friend said that this guy would always ruin his fences and signs with the equipment.  I fired him.  He reminded him of how I chewed his butt out really bad and then fired him over him ruining a $25 sign.  He laughed.  My friend said—I always think I’m a nice guy; maybe I’m not. We laughed.

The other day I stopped and got a newspaper and the clerk was checking me out and was talking—who are you talking toooo—the folks on pump 6 over the microphone—oh, I thought you were talking to yourself—I do that sometimes but usually don’t answer myself.  Sooooo I was going to take the dumpster out to the curb the other morning and I put my lap top on it as I had to put something in the car.  Yep, I forgot about it and it fell off unto the cement with a loud crash.  I tried to turn it on; no success.  I called myself an idiot (i.e. you are not suppose to do that for good mental health but I did).  I took it in the house and plugged it in and it worked; checked the battery and saw that it was dislodged; readjusted it and it worked.  No more a big idiot but still an idiot; at least for a while (i.e. man was I lucky).

Soooo a gal was studying something in the #1 reference book of all times (i.e. the best self-help book every written) at Todd’s Bar and Grill when we were eating breakfast the other morning.  Sooooo what are you studying—whatever—the Soup Lady and I talked about sensitivity this morning; we both think we are tooooo sensitive (i.e. some of my buddies tell me I have tooooo be tougher)—the soup lady said that she even gets tooooo sensitive with her kids.  This studying gal says—being sensitive is a lot better than being stiff necked, stubborn, with a hard heart.  Do you know any hard-hearted folks? Can we also be tooooo sensitive?  Maybe we just need a little rock n roll!

A long-time friend, Jerry (i.e. a real X-factor), who grew up by Roseland, and his wife stopped and saw us.  He grew up a mile and fourth north or Roseland.  We did many things together.  We talked about many of those old stories (i.e. a lot of rock n roll let me tell you). What a hoot!  One of my favorite stories is this:  I worked for Kandiyohi County road department during college.  The road department and the office personnel played a soft-ball game at Kandiyohi Lake for a keg of beer.  I was invited to play but had another game earlier which Jerry also played in.  Sooooo we went to the county ball game soooo I could play.  It started to rain soooooo most everyone went home except for a few of us including my boss.  We went in a shelter house and drank beer (i.e. Jerry and I were under age but they didn’t seem to care).  We had a great time.  After a while I got brass and said to my boss that he should hire Jerry.  He did and Jerry retired at age 56. 

Recently there was a Mensa convention in San Francisco. Mensa, as you probably know, is a national organization for people who have an IQ of 150 or higher. Several of the Mensa members went out for lunch at a local café. When they sat down one of them discovered that their salt shaker contained pepper and their pepper shaker was full of salt. How could they swap the contents of the two bottles without spilling any and using only the implements at hand?  Clearly, this was a job for Mensa minds. The group debated the problem and presented ideas and finally came up with a brilliant solution involving a napkin, a straw, and an empty saucer. They called the blonde waitress over ready to dazzle her with their solution. "Ma'am," they said, "we couldn't help but notice that the pepper shaker contains salt and the salt shaker has pepper.” But before they could finish, the waitress interrupted: " Oh, sorry about that." She leaned over the table, unscrewed the caps of both bottles and switched them.  ~ Sometimes I make stuff much harder than they are; ya, I do that and I am not a Mensa by a long shot!  I just have tooooooo laugh at my self soooooo many times.  Well rock-n-roll!

Mark Twin said—Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.  AverageJoe says—There are folks who talk a lot but their history shows that they have no action (i.e. they wear a big cowboy hat but have no cattle).  Then there are folks who have a long history of doing things (i.e. a lot of rock-n-roll) but talk very little.  Saturday question—Which kind of folks do you prefer to be around (i.e. probably depends which kind of person you are).  Many times, committees are formed by the selection person based on selecting folks who agree with them (e.g. yes people).  I know where pastors hand pick their church leaders who will agree with them (i.e. it makes their mission a lot easier).  It appeared that the business boards I have served on, the best ones are the ones that are diversified with talented people with different opinions. Ya, sometimes that can create some rock n roll. I guess whatever works.

I have read part of the book The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene.  It’s a 588 page book (i.e. a recommend read by many book lists) soooo I read part of it and maybe will read part some other time.  Each chapter has a little statement as to what it is about (i.e. good descriptions).  ANYWAY this is what it says about Chapter 2—The Law of Narcissism—We all naturally posses the most remarkable tool for connecting to people and attaining social power—empathy.  When cultivated and properly used, it can allow us to see into moods and minds of others, giving us the power to anticipate people’s actions and gently lower their resistance.  This instrument, however, is blunted by our habitual self-absorption.  We are all narcissists, some deeper on the spectrum than others.  Our mission in life is to come to terms with this self-love and learn how to turn our sensitivity outward, toward others, instead of inward.  We must recognize at the same time the toxic narcissists among us before getting enmeshed in their dramas and poisoned by their envy.  ~  Two gals ran me down when I was putting on my jacket at church Sunday morning.  They expressed a lot of empathy and no narcissism (i.e. very neat gals with good hearts; my kind of folks).  We really had a good time (i.e. laughed a lot).  There were others that morning who acted the same and some well…!  I assume all churches have some of each.  What do you think? That is what I thought.

I told a friend recently that life is going tooooo fast!  I like adventure and opportunities a.k.a. rock-n-roll; I especially like it when they are combined.  Do you?  It’s when I find the best of myself, I think.  I think it’s gives me an opportunity to maximize my possibilities on this earth, I think.  Too many times, it seems that soooo many folks just seem to be putting one foot in front of the other and miss soooooo much (i.e. just killing time before they die).  Ok folks, here is something really personal (i.e. maybe you can relate to it and maybe not).  I’m at a stage in my life, right now, that answers aren’t very important anymore.  You might say—erv, are you crazy! Well, I don’t think in many situations in my life there are answers.  And you know what, I’m ok with that.  I don’t need to know the answers.  I’m very comfortable in the direction I’m going in my life (i.e. still have a long way to gooooo but I like the direction).  I’m getting much better in loving folks unreasonably a.k.a. illogically.  It feels good for the most part.  It appears the older I get in my journey of faith, the less answers I have and I’m good with that. Well, rock-in-roll!  Crazy you say! I’m surely not a SuperMan, The Incredible Hulk, Spider Man, Iron Man or anything like that.  I really have no idea what I am other than erv.  I’m ok with that (i.e. most of the time ha ha). Such is life.

A friend who works at Kwik Star made me laugh the other day.  She has some shoulder problems and has limited movement.  Sooooo I asked her how her shoulder is doing—still have limited movement—does it hurt—not unless I move it—if I were you, I wouldn’t move it ha ha—my kids tell me something different!  Well rock-and-roll!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Friendship fills up the little ruts in life’s road.