aye yai yai

Well rub-a-dub dub, three men in a tub! The butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker (i.e. the meaning of the three is all-inclusive—everyone—all of us—all means all-inclusive). That sorta kinda makes me laugh.  The history of that nursery rhyme is about a pep show at a fair.  That’s right.  I don’t know much about sheep, but I was told that they follow each other (i.e. considered dump and I heard the old expression—a sick sheep is a dead sheep).  ANYWAY, you’ve heard the expression, "Get one to go and they will all go." This means that if one sheep will move then the entire flock will follow (i.e. all). I was told that this is because of their gregarious instinct, the desire to stay together for protection. I look at some groups of folks and wonder if that is what certain groups of folks are—sheep (i.e. if one jumps off the cliff, they all do).  Aye yai yai!  BestyBest asks—Soooo does that mean that if you get the leader (i.e. the leader of the pack) to follow you, then the rest will toooo?

WorldClassLarry says--A quarrelsome tone usually provokes anger and resistance. We may win the argument but lose the person. There is truth in this ditty, “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” But a gentle spirit can sometimes have huge massive effects on others. MyWayOrTheRoadLawrence says—That is unless you are talking about money, religion or politics!

Albert Szent-Gyoergyi, a biochemist who won the 1937 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine or was it motorcycle racing said, “Discovery consists of looking at the same thing as everyone else and thinking something different."  Aye yai yai!  The old expression in investing is to do just the opposite of the crowd.  I kid that we live in a huge massive corn field; we sorta kinda do.  We live in rural IA folks.   Corn prices haven’t been very good, but they did spike maybe a month ago up to $4.10.  Some farmers sold a lot, some sold a little and some sold none.  How do they know when to sell? Now the price is currently about $3.70.  Now you hear farmers say—I should have sold more, or I should have sold it all. Hindsight! Da! Farmers are very optimistic; they think it will always go higher. 

When it comes down to it, I don’t know if MissPerfect (i.e. she’s a clinic alright) just reacts the way the big group thinks (i.e. whichever way the wind blows).  TheSmartGalDownTheStreet says—98% of the folks are zombies, they don’t have a clue what is going on; they just go along with the crowd (i.e. they just cover their bases).  TheDutchFanatic asks—Soooooo erv, what does that have to do with the price of milk? Nothing really, it’s just an add-on to an already too-busy life. SlimyLena says--A person has to do what a person has to do to get ahead in this old world; whatever it takes (i.e. like having your mom do your work). Aye yai yai! 

AverageJoe says--There are hiccups in life.  I was having the evening meal with the residents and some of their family at the memory unit last weekend.  There were two residents and their spouses sitting at one table.  They told me their short story of their spouses’ dementia (i.e. they are all pretty much the same).  One of the spouses is younger who still works while her husband is in the memory unit.  The other one’s wife is more advanced in the disease.  As I left their table I said—Sooooooo sad.  One spouse said to me—erv, and there is nothing we can do about it; we have no choice.  Aye yai yai! I realize that a lot of you, ok maybe most of you, ok all of you have issues in your lives that are “issues that there is nothing you can do about” (i.e. all kinds of things). This feeling is soooooo humbling. I guess that has been that way for ever.  JoeBlow says—It appears that some folks seem to have better lives than others.  Why do you think that is?  That is what I thought. Aye yai yai! 

CadillacJack says—There are folks who think they have all the answers and have life all figured out.  I agree with you CadillacJack, but I don’t think those folks have it all figured out; I think they are in for some big surprises.  Generally, folks back away from such folks who think they know everything.  It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. The reason is: unequivocally, they do not know all the answers.  I think, my opinion, that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit have a lot to do with most everything, but I don’t understand it (i.e. their understanding I cannot fathom).  In Ecclesiastes 8:17b it says—Even a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend.  Aye yai yai!  If I forget to rinse out my oatmeal bowl in the morning, the oatmeal dries up and it sticks hard to the bowl.  I need to soak it to make it softer.  I wonder if I need that in my life.  I need to be soaked.  Could be. 

I recently had the opportunity to visit with some old friends who I respect (i.e. I listened, and I enjoyed their opinions). They seem to see the big picture and don’t think they know everything (i.e. my opinion but your opinion might be different).  Maybe that is one of the reasons I enjoy being around them.  I listened to them about their opinions about some issues that I have some interest in.  I didn’t voice my opinion but just listened.  I don’t think everyone would agree with their possible solutions to a problem—I did think their ideas had real merit.  Soooooo, I also had the opportunity to hear a speaker the same day that had pretty much an opposite view—but it was more like a fact and not an opinion— pretty much cut and dried (i.e. my opinion).  Soooooo there we go.  Sooooo, I guess we pretty much pick the side we pretty much believe in. LuckieEddie says—It sounds like politics! It seems like collaboration is an impossibility.  My opinion is that I think collaboration is possible but unlikely. SusieQ says—Most but not all will go with the crowd. Aye yai yai!

Joesixpack says—My life is just a labyrinth.  Everyone is trying to program me to where I should go.  I mean everyone!  First it was my genetics, then it was my parents, then education, then the government, then the church, then my employer, then all the advertisements.  Who should I believe?  Good question Joesixpack.  BUT for sure, decisions have consequences.  And guess who gets to make the decisions!!  Bingo. Then one day, you end up being “you” based on all those decisions.  The other day I went into our local restaurant and there were two old timers sitting at a table across from each other. I have known these guys for 50 years.  They seem to be such a contrast.  One seems like he is kind and gracious and the other one seems like he is bitter and unhappy.  Why, do you think?  Somehow, they were programed that way I think (i.e. my opinion).

GeorgeTheCrook says--Legalism will suck your life dry of happiness. Soooo what does that mean?  Dr.J (i.e. not the basketball player Dr.J) says—"Mercy is thought of as the withholding of punishment that is deserved, while grace is the giving of a blessing or benefit that is not deserved. Hebrews 4:16 uses them both: We come before God in prayer to “obtain mercy” (to be spared from deserved judgment) and “find grace to help in time of need” (receive undeserved help). They are the two sides of the same theological coin.” To me that is sooooo positive and uplifting (i.e. I like positive and uplifting stuff—how about you?).  But here is the challenge for me--I also have frequent opportunities to be both merciful and gracious toward others. Does ervie take every opportunity to be like God: merciful and gracious? Yikes, maybe I want mercy and grace but don’t want to give it (i.e. I want it all).  Aye yai yai! I can be a real dinghead at times! I don’t always expose myself but just hide in the muck. Telling ervie the truth about ervie is tough! Can any of you relate to that or am I the only one?  Such is life.

Boring boring boring! I have a tendency to get bored easily doing the same stuff time after time after time.  I enjoy a new slant to something even if it’s the same thing.  I have talked toooo many of you about book reading.  You tell me that if you read maybe a few pages to 100 pages and if you don’t like the book, you put it down.  I read what John Grisham (i.e. a well know author) said when asked about his book reading.  He said—If I read some pages and if I don’t care for it, I put it down; why spend my time reading something I don’t enjoy when there is sooooo much good stuff to read.   Aye yai yai!  Now that mentality can be applied to many situations in our lives.  If folks don’t enjoy it, they are not going to continue; they will move on (i.e. put it down or press the delete button).  Great leaders have this vision (i.e. the vision to move on, they quit kicking a dead horse, they seem to know when it’s time to throw in the towel, they seem to know when we’re throwing money down a black hole, they seem to know when it’s over, they seem to know when it’s history).  Oh ya! Look around folks, it’s not rocket science. You might think something is great, but if others don’t, well, they’ll just put it down and move on. Boring boring boring! It’s realty folks if you like it or not.  Such is life.

Saturday question—If folks don’t read books, never have had an interest (i.e. some of you), how in the world do you get them to enjoy reading books?  Think through that folks. 

Aye yai yai!  I read this in the paper soooooo it must be right—Don’t compare yourself with other people; compare yourself with who you were yesterday.  That philosophy isn’t anything new; it’s been around forever.  BUT it did make me think.  There sure are a lot of folks, groups etc. that want me to compare myself with them and in most cases want me to be like them. The old saying, “There are no two humans the same” is probably true.  Saturday question—Do you ever get tired of others always trying to make you to be like them.  I have to admit that I’m critical of others; yes I am.  I think they should be more like me. haha What are those folks thinking?  Are they not thinking right?  Soooooo I decided I’m not going to compare myself to others and not going to compare others to me.  Ya, right!  Aye yai yai! No kidding, I’m working on it and getting better; it takes tooooo much energy and thinking to always compete. I’m just going to be ervie and they can be JohnandJaneDow (i.e. and everyone is happy!)! Such is life. 

Well, all of us (i.e. all-inclusive like, farmer, executive and the teacher) are pretty much screwed up in some way or form or even completely.  AverageJoe says--Don’t think you are not; I know you are! haha  If you think that you are not messed up at all and have it all figured out, well then, you might have a huge massive messed up ego (i.e. and the crowd shouts overrated, overrated, overrated). 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—In trying to get people in your corner, don’t make them feel cornered.

experiences

Apuleius, whose “Metamorphoses” is the only Latin-language novel that has survived in its entirety, wrote, “Familiarity breeds contempt, while rarity wins admiration.”  Saturday question—Why do we admire rarities that are not absurd? Huh, interesting.  Soooooo tell me why is Metamorphoses the only Latin-language novel that has survived in its entirety.  I’m sure (i.e. not sure but would guess) that during this time, other novels were written in Latin and were important.  There must be a reason, maybe!  This “It’s Saturday” will last until you press the delete button. That is how important it is (i.e. not very).  I understand.  Such is life.

WorldClassLarry says—I take a simple view of life: Keep your eyes open and get on with it. Bill Belichick says—To live in the past is to die in the present.  TheGuyNorthOfTown says—Live today will make tomorrow much better. 

I just stand in wonderment of a lot of things.  Maybe it’s because I’m just a simple person or maybe I just wonder in amazement about each new experience (i.e. I wander as I wonder).  Some of you say, erv, you are just in wonderland.  I think you are right.  I really enjoy appreciating stuff, standing in awe, seeing miracles, and just enjoying life.  Yes, there are days in which I do a better job than others but that is okay.  I hope all of you can experience wondering experiences.  My opinion is that it makes life sooooo much more enjoyable. 

I read in the paper soooo it must be right—Headline: Disney to open 25 stores inside Target this fall.  The article said—The new, kid friendly retail experience will show case more than 450 toys and games, apparel and accessories feathering everything from beloved Disney classics to Disney princesses, Marvel characters and “Star Wars.”  Notice the word experience.  Shigeru Miyamoto, a Japanese video-game designer, said, “The obvious objective of video games is to entertain people by surprising them with new experiences.”  Notice the words new experiences.  Folks, that is how they sell new product and go forward—new experiences.  The old experiences aren’t as exciting anymore; folks want to have new experiences (i.e. except some folks who don’t want new experiences).  My opinion here folks—I think the style and form of delivery in our churches is a good example). I realize that a few folks like to have the same experience as they had in Roseland Reformed back in 1956.  Yikes, that is a long time ago! Business doesn’t pay much attention to those folks.  Business has to create new experiences or die!  Ouchy ouchy!

I said to myself—Now that is convincing!  I was thinking about going for a jog the other morning.  It looked like rain, but it wasn’t raining.  Should I go or should I not.  All of a sudden it started to lightning and thundering.  Now that is convincing!  Saturday question—Sooooo what convinces you to do certain things?  I was with a friend recently who tipped my decision.  I told her that!  Why? Well, I respected her opinion.  There are some folks’ opinions I listen to more than others. Why? I look at their lives, their past history, their philosophy, if they seem to have sound judgment, our relationship, our trust, etc. You get it.  Basically, my experiences I have had with them. 

I recently had an experience that got my attention.  I was going to participate in an activity and was in the parking lot.  Some others drove up.  Three guys drove in aggressively in their sports cars and over-sized pickup, parked them diagonally in two parking spots (i.e. backing them in), got out and had a certain (i.e. I’m better than you walk) to where we were going.  I learned as I interacted with them that they were just like I thought they were (i.e. seemed to be pretty much about themselves).  Those are not the kind of folks I enjoy being around.  I read recently that you are pretty much like the folks you have with you in the boat.  I read this in the paper soooo it must be right—There are is 3% of the U.S. population who are millionaires and they seem to hang around with each other (i.e. really).  That doesn’t surprise me.  Does it you?  I actually know some millionaires who pretty much hang out with other millionaires and other millionaires that don’t.  Why is that do you think? Some millionaires might surprise you who they are. LuckieEddie says—A million dollars ain’t what it used to be. And of course, there are folks who try to act like millionaires but are not!  SusieQ says—They are a dime a dozen. Some of you are millionaires and even multimillionaires; I know you are, and you are very good folks (i.e. good folks with good hearts; my kind of folks). CockyBilly says—I’m going to be a millionaire as soon as your mother-in-law dies!  Listen CockyBilly, I just read this-- “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.”

Flip the pancake!  I had a conversation with my favorite waiter the other morning before biking.  I asked him about his girls. He told me about his young daughters; the oldest one is in school.  He lives with his girlfriend and the girls share time with their mother who recently moved which caused his oldest girl to change schools.  He was sooooo happy that she adjusted well.  He told me that he doesn’t make a lot of money but is very content and happy.  He loves his girls. Sooooo I read this--But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.

Sooooo I went for my bike ride and met a pickleball buddy who was walking.  She is a very nice person who I enjoy being around.  Her and her husband do a lot of traveling and are very active (i.e. maybe are millionaires or multi-millionaires).   She is a very positive person.  Her mother recently died of Alzheimer’s and she spend time in a dementia unit.  She shared with me much information.  She and I were in the same boat.  Happenstance experience, na, I don’t think soooo. 

Sooooo I was heading home and I stopped at a stop sign in Cedar Falls. and I seeeee this garage sale sign.  It made me laugh.  I had to meet the person who made this sign.  Soooooo I go to the garage sale.  Louise Louise Louise!  Louise is a pickleball buddy and Thelma is her friend.  We had some good laughs (i.e. very uplifting experience).  Happenstance experience, na, I don’t think soooo.  Now I have her junk in my trunk!

Soooooo I talked to an AZ friend from nw MN.  She and I got to know each other in AZ as we went to the same support group for a couple of years.  Her husband has been in a memory unit of a care facility for 3 months.  I wanted her advice.  She and I had a very good conversation and laughed quite a bit.  We are in the same boat!  ANYWAY, the best advice she gave me was—She writes down every day (i.e. journals) three things that she is thankful for (i.e. one-liners).  This makes her a grateful person and keeps her focus where she wants it. 

CoachB said—Rich folks have big libraries, poor folks have big TVs.  You believe that?  That is what I thought.  I do think that our minds are affected by what we experience.  Different folks have different perspectives of life and of the world because of travel experiences, what they read experiences, and who they talk/associate with experiences (i.e. that’s pretty much a slam dunk).  Can you comprehend this or do you really even care (i.e. I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it)—It may feel like you are sitting still right now, but you are not. You are on a planet that is rotating on its axis at 1,000 mph. Like clockwork, it makes one full revolution every 24 hours. And if that isn’t amazing enough, planet earth is moving around the sun at speeds approaching 67,000 mph! Sooooo the next time you feel like you’ve had an unproductive day, remind yourself that you did travel more than 1,500,000 miles through space today.  And you worry about if your shoes match your outfit or if your yard looks good, maybe we should worry more about how in the world does God make that all happen, and will he continue to do that!  Now that is amazing to me; a wonderment.

Sooooooo I always tell my 90-year old friend, that she is going to live to 120.  They will just keep changing body parts in this new modern age of medicine.  I won’t recognize you as all your parts will be all different, but I guess it will still be you!   Sooooo she goes to the doctor for her annual physical and the doctor tells her she is doing well and could live to 100. She tells the doctor that I tell her that she is going to live to 120.  The doctor says—I don’t think sooooo! I told her that I think the doctor is wrong; I’m smarter than the doctor!  We had a good laugh. 

A friend and I ride our bikes from Cedar Falls to Waterloo, eat breakfast and then ride back.  It’s a nice morning event.  The ride is about 14 miles, but we talk longer than it takes to bike (i.e. a great experience).  ANYWAY, during our last ride we were in Waterloo where the path is right above/next to the Cedar River by the Waterloo Center for the Arts that is on top of the levee with steps down to the river and a patio (i.e. a nice look).  There was a metal table and two metal chairs sitting on the patio right next to the river (i.e. maybe they had some kind of event the night before).  Sooooo as we were approaching this area, two hooded young men were walking past the chairs and table and one of them kicked one of the chairs in the river.  We rode past them.  At breakfast, my friend asked me why do you think that guy did that?  I said I didn’t know but have some ideas—me toooo; I wanted to stop and say something but was scared for my safety—I was tooooo!   Another experience.

You ever get soooo excited about an opportunity a.k.a. experience that makes you just shake?  I do and have had such experiences show up this last week.  These experiences aren’t about money, power, prestige, attention or glory at all. DuaneTheWorm says if that is the case, I’m not interested in those experiences! Knowing you DuaneTheWorm, I surely understand. I pray for opportunities, I pray that I can recognize them, and I pray that I may have the courage to act on them.  Well, these opportunities just fell in my lap; now let’s seeee what happens.  Crazy for sure!

Here is an interesting experience.  Last Saturday morning I went for a jog on the golf course.  There was a twosome and a single golfer on the course.  The single guy is a guy who I wave at but don’t know his name (i.e. for 20 years).  He lives maybe three blocks from us.  I always thought I should get to know him.  Soooo on the golf course I stumbled across him three times.  Each time having a little conversation.  The last time we talked about his new Yamaha golf cart—It’s a gas cart that is quieter and can go faster; it has a road gear and can go 19 miles an hour (i.e. some folks tweak them to go 30 mph).  I asked him if he would care to golf with me sometime.  He said he would.  Sooooo there you go.  He’s a maybe a 40ish bachelor sooooo maybe we might share some time.  Some of you might say—Sooooo what’s the big deal about that?  You might be right; I have no idea!!!!  It’s way beyond me for sure!!!

Here is another interesting opportunity.  A pickleball buddy, John (i.e. anybody can be a John) emailed me an encouraging email and also said that they celebrated their 53rd anniversary by going to the movie Overcome.  He suggested I should go. Then I got a call from an old family friend, Diane (i.e. anybody can be a Diane), asking how we were doing.  We laughed a lot and she told me that I should go and see the movie Overcome—is it any good—I think soooo; I have seen it 4 times—you should know all the good lines by heart—I do!!!!  We laughed some more.  Sooooo I went.  It’s a Christian movie about inspiration, motivation and the salvation story.  It would be a good movie to take your family.  It’s about forgiveness, fighting adversary, and finding God; we are all going to have these issues in our lives, and we are all going to die. For some of you who don’t believe in God and think you are going to die like a pig (i.e. that is what you have told me) I have an idea for you.  Maybe go late at night and sit way in the back or Netflix it or rent it at Red Box.  You can watch it at home by yourself and no one will even know.  Surely you are open minded enough to do that, right?

Experiences really energize me.  I really like new experiences. 

BUT I didn’t like this experience!  No, I didn’t. It was Arlene’s fault.  Yes it was.  Four days ago I thought my oatmeal with half a banana with some pecans on it didn’t taste good but I forced myself to eat it; I thought my taste must be off.  The next day again it didn’t taste good.  I didn’t eat it and tried some of the pecans; they tasted alright.  The third day again it didn’t taste good again sooooo it had to be the bananas.  It was not.  Soooo today, again my breakfast didn’t taste good (i.e. it tasted really yucky).  There is only one ingredient left; the milk.  It was sour; only 28 days past expiration.  It was Arlene’s fault as she always ate Raisin Brand with milk on it for breakfast.  She was no longer consuming the milk to keep it fresh.  I still have the putrid taste in my mouth. Such is life. 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Before you give someone a piece of your mind be sure you can spare it.

hate

Warning:  This “It’s Saturday” is approved by the government and it will not change you in anyway.  Sooooo it is safe to read; it will not affect you (i.e. that is a money back guarantee).  It takes a lot more than a few words to change you tough old cookies.  Don’t kid yourself.  ItchieBitchie says—erv, a surprising amount of your jokes sound very implausible but are true and seem to pertain to me! ItchieBitchie, if the shoe fits, wear it.

I just read a book that none of you will be interested in reading.  It’s a historical non-fiction about a TX cattle man, Print Olive, who moved from TX and settled in Nebraska in the late 1800s along the Platte River.  See, you aren’t interested.  ANYWAY, Print Olive said this—Yes, man has to learn to hate.  I have never thought of that before. Unhappy with someone, angry with someone, discouraged with someone, discussed with someone one but to hate someone is different.  That is a strong word.  Little kids say sometimes—I hate you.  They don’t really understand the meaning of hate.  Adults say sometimes that they hate someone.  And sometimes they really do hate someone.  Yes, man can be taught to hate someone or a certain group of folks and folks can learn to hate because of bad experiences.  We have seen that in history and are seeing it all the time.  AverageJoe says—I have been indoctrinated by my past environment and my current environment; no question; I have to admit that I hate some folks.  Ouchy ouchy!

Hate is an intense or passionate dislike, hostility, ill will, ill feeling, bad feeling, bitterness, disgust, contempt, or a feeling or revenge.  GeorgeTheCrook says—It is a strong and dangerous feeling; I know because I have it and I don’t like it. 

MissPerfect says--I hate going to work.  Is that really hate? Can folks get over hating each other? LuckieEddie says—I hate life when it doesn’t go my way. Is that really hate? CrazyMarvin says--Folks can do unbelievable things when they truly hate someone or some group of folks. WildWillie asks--Is hate a form of mental illness?  CadillacJack asks--Do normal folks hate each other at birth?

A friend told me that she doesn’t hate anyone; she said she dislikes some folks, yes, but she does not hate anyone.  Folks can be brainwashed to hate folks, no question (e.g. the news does it all the time).  Some folks are more vulnerable that others to become hateful (i.e. some folks are very instable and excitable and incitable).  No question.  That is because of many reasons.  GovernemntJoe says—All you have to do is give them some ice cream and/or chocolate and they can be swung to your opinion and hate others.  Is there anyone who hates ice cream and chocolate?  And then you put them together, well, you can almost persuade anyone to hate anyone.

Butler County IA is 98.95% White (i.e. also doesn’t have a stop light) sooooo I really don’t live in the real world maybe. I don’t have one Black friend and no Hispanic friends. I don’t even have one phone number of any of those races.  I read in the paper, soooooo it must be right that Blacks will soon be over 50 percent of the population in the U.S. and the most popular name will soon change from Smith to Rodriguez.  Obviously, I live in the middle of a huge massive corn field with a lot of white homogeneous folks who maybe think they know all the answers.

I read in the paper soooooo it must be right—If you are your own god, then those who disagree with you are not only wrong, they are evil and you hate them. I listened to a person explain to me why they are in favor of legalized recreational use of marijuana.  I listened and some of what this person said makes sense.  We have legalized alcohol and tobacco which are probably more dangerous than marijuana.  Many to most folks approve those products (i.e. even some of the most conservative will have a few beers at the ball game).  It is said that marijuana is addictive; sooooo is over-eating.  Look around folks.  Overeating is very expensive to our society.  It is sooooo crazy when we are opposed to one thing and do another if it fits our lifestyle.  Sooooo it’s a split decision if we the society should allow legalized marijuana.  The government says yes, and we are the government.  JoeBlow says—It’s all about the money! In this case, big money. Don’t kid yourself. SusieQ says—Besides, I will do it illegally or legally! Ouchy ouchy!  Personally, I would prefer it if we didn’t have any over-eating, alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana in our society.  That is my opinion which means nuttin to anyone! I can live without any of them. I think excessive use causes soooooo many problems (i.e. sooooo many heart aches).  Saturday question—Have they affected you and/or your family?

BobbyBob says—I hate it when I’m that way! That way meaning when I spend soooo much time working for power, position, fame, wealth, or prominence.  I seem to always learn that in this egotistical world, my sinful nature doesn’t behave well in the spotlight.  Isn’t that interesting BobbyBob, how most folks are driven by their egos.  But you are just a “onesmartdog” to understand it; many don’t.  My hat goes off to you.  I would guess that you are not a hateful person.  HatefulBob says--To want to kill all of a certain sect of folks, you must have to really hate them or are taught to hate them.  That is more than disliking them.  It appears that we have factious groups in our country and world who really seem to hate certain groups of other folks.  I have a hard time understanding that.  I can understand not agreeing with them, but not hating them.

The Bible says it this way: “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 NLT). You believe that?  That is what I thought.  This is what RickieRick says (i.e. I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it)--The Bible isn’t saying that every event in your life will be good. You and I both know that’s just not true. But it does mean that when you put your whole life together, every piece of it works together for good. It’s like making a cake. You may not like the taste of each ingredient, but when it’s all put together, it comes out tasting good. God wants to bake an amazingly tasty cake with your life, and he wants to use even the distasteful and bitter elements to do it. God also doesn’t say that everything works together like we want it to or that every story will have a happy ending. Not every business decision will make a million dollars. Not every couple that gets married lives happily ever after. Not every child will become captain of the football team. Instead, this verse reminds us that we can have absolute confidence that the Master Designer of the universe causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God. Again, do you believe that? That is what I thought. I really feel for some of you folks who are in the middle of a tough situation where it appears that none of it makes any sense.  I do.  I pray that the Peace of God may be with you.  We all have the decision to love God or hate God.  Some of you folks might of misunderstood what RickieRick and Paul were saying!  And remember what my mentor use to say to me—erv, it’s never as good as it looks or as bad as it looks. Such is life.

I recently took a little cruse on my Yamaha XT250.  It was late Saturday afternoon.  I saw a friend mowing their lawn.  He made me smile.  He and his wife are such good folks who are just good encouragers, workers, doers, good hearted, and real folks.  They live their lives humbly and are true servants (i.e. you know who you are or if you live your life this way).  You are great examples toooooo many. 

Some friends that we made while wintering in AZ through the years, traveled about 4 hours Monday just to spend some time with me and then went back home.  How special is that? They went “way out of their way” to do that.  How special are relationships? I just think there are soooo many special folks.  These folks are amongst them (i.e. good folks with good hearts; my kind of folks). I was telling a friend about them coming and said they didn't have to do that.  He said--You are right, they did not have to do that; but they wanted to do that.  Wow!  

Opposite of hate is love.  Arlene’s expression of love to me is unbelievable.  When I see her at the memory care facility, she mushes all over me; tells me she loves me a lot (i.e. maybe thinks it will help in persuading me to take her home).  She just holds me and wants to touch me.  She is such a sweetheart.  That is why I married her (i.e. a super star). Even with less than half a mind she continues to be that way.  A gal who takes care of her a lot, tells me that she is not as cooperative for a short time after I leave but when I’m not there she is most cooperative and happy.  Go figure.  This is going to be quite an adjustment for both of us.  But we are doing well.

AverageJoe says--Encouraging someone instead of preaching tooooo them seems to work a lot better.  It is unbelievable how supportive many folks have been to me.  I suspect that will wear off.  And some folks are not very supportive; there are many reasons; I understand.  Maybe I haven’t been supportive of them when they went through a tough time and they say—erv, didn’t support me sooo I’m not going to support him.  I understand that. They don’t hate me, but maybe it makes them a little bitter.  Or, some feel like, I’m not very good at that sooooo I don’t want to get involved (i.e. I feel uncomfortable around Arlene with her dementia).  I will send a card when Arlene dies; that is good enough.  I understand that. May I make a suggestion? If you are considering showing support to someone (i.e. not me) but are wondering if you should do it, do it and do it now.  It will be a blessing to the person who you support and a blessing to you.  DO IT!  STIMULATE YOURSELF! 

Here is an example--Good morning erv. I am certainly not an expert, just another participant on this undesirable path (i.e. his wife passed on recently). Part of life is gone and I don’t think can ever be replaced. Am very appreciative of the support of family and friends. My best to you my cousin!

RickieRick says--Mentoring is as easy as taking someone to breakfast once a month and asking, “How’s it going?” You just need to be a friend. Listen to, encourage, and pray for that person. You don’t have to be a “perfect Christian” to do this. You just have to be willing.

Your encouragement to me is great motivation.  Yes it is.  The best coaches I have experienced don’t necessarily know the game better (i.e. whatever the game is) but were great motivators.  They could get me to perform to the best of my ability.  I would guess great motivators can also make folks hate each other toooooo.  I believe, encouragement is such a great asset for me to do my best.  Thanksamillion for your encouragement.  Here is a simple suggestion when encouraging others that I learned in a support group in AZ—Several group members said that the best encouragement they can receive is someone telling them (i.e. by any form of communication) that they care about them.  How simple is that. That can be as simple as looking someone in the eyes and nodding your head.  Bingo!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Whether spreading love or jam, it is hard not to get some on yourself.

stupid+

I think JimTheRockabillyStar said once—Quite often when we lose our poise, we do goofy, stupid things.  One of my Daddy’s, Chester’s statements was—Everyone has problems it’s just that some folks handle them differently.  Don’t kid yourself, we can do and say stupid things.  Sooooo, it appears attitude has a to do with a lot of things.  It doesn’t do much good to get hot about something (i.e. although it is easy to do). Usually it makes it worse.  CadillacJack says--Adapt and make the most of it; don’t fly off the handle. Usually; many times, when we fly off the handle, we do something stupid. Or as an employee (i.e. a very nice person who could see the big picture) told me years ago when I was complaining about something—erv, shit happens (i.e. meaning accept it; it happens).  She still makes me laugh just thinking about her statement. Somethings we never forget about each other because of what we say or do!!!  ha-ha

Last Sunday, I looked at all the folks in attendance in church and came to the conclusion that all but two folks (i.e. a couple) have challenges.  Sooooo it’s stupid to think that my challenges aren’t really much different than all those folks (i.e. I’m not special in any way).  The one couple who it appears have no challenges (i.e. you know who you are) must be abnormal or maybe it just appears (i.e. from my point of view) that they don’t or maybe they are just waiting their turn. It could be that they have challenges, but I don’t know (i.e. but it looks from my 10,000 feet that they have a peaches and cream life).  What do you think? That is what I thought.

A friend of Heather told her to tell me –“If someone says something stupid to me about something I have done which they think is stupid, I should just ignore them; they are stupid (i.e. she has experienced my experience).  They have no idea what your situation is, or what your emotions are.”  WorldClassLarry says--Tell them to stick it in their ear or where the sun doesn’t shine!  There will always be folks who will say stupid things at stupid times. That is good advice but sometimes that is hard to do, especially if our emotions are raw and sensitive.  Sometimes those stupid remarks hurt even if we don’t agree or want them tooooo.  I just experienced such a remark from a friend. Such is life. 

I experienced it again; yes I did.  I have been playing pretty good golf until the other Friday. I have a tendency to do okay and then get to a point where I try to do even better and then my swing gets all screwed up.  I hate that when that happens.  I basically have to start over again (i.e. slow down).  Good doesn’t seem to last for me (i.e. I get humbled).  I seemed to be in one of those funks that Friday; I have been playing well and then…!  I just have to accept it.  In fact, all our foursome didn’t play well.  I don’t think anyone was happy with their game.  The Big Kahuna told me—erv, that is golf.  It happens to everyone; it doesn’t help to get mad; it maybe even makes it worse. He also said—To be a golfer, you have to have eternal hope for a better day; if you don’t, you will quit.  I text a golf buddy who just had hip replacement asking him how he is doing--Making progress; opportunity to practice patience and perseverance (at which I need improvement in both). Can any of you folks relate to my situation or my gold buddy’s situation?  That is what I thought. JoeBlow says—Suck it up cupcake and let’s get going!

I learned that there are about 60 murals in Atlanta about the civil rights movement.  I particularly like this one.  It says this in the footnotes of my study Bible (i.e. soooo it must be right)—In Scripture the fool a.k.a. the stupid one is not one who cannot learn, but the one who refuses to learn. Ouchy ouchy! Sooooo how important is knowledge do you think? How important is the attitude to learn.  I like to learn but maybe I don’t always learn the right stuff.  Maybe some of the stuff I try to learn, you might think is stupid. Now that could be. I guess there are times folks tell me stuff that isn’t true but they want me to think it’s knowledge to persuade me.  Example—Occasionally one hears something that is hard to believe or is intended to deceive…or both. A car dealership runs an advertisement that includes the observation, “Our No. 1 aim is customer satisfaction.” Of course it isn’t! Their No. 1 aim is to make a profit.  It’s all about the money; don’t kid yourself. 

ItchieBitchie thinks “social conformity” is stupid.  I don’t know ItchieBitche, but is sure sells a lot of product.  School is starting and that “social conformity” can cause a lot of problems for a lot of students.  Most want to conform to their peers. Some will do stupid things to do that.  Real stupid.  The pressure is really strong.  Just look at many adults that do just stupid things to conform.  Conformity sure is a good selling tool.  Don’t kid yourself.  I was told that new car sales are way down.  The reason is folks can’t afford them (e.g. $70,000 for a new pickup).  The car industry is doing whatever it takes for you to put that pickup in your drive (i.e. very innovative like financing it “like over the rest of your life”).  Sooooo how powerful is “social conformity” in your life anyway?  That is what I thought.  SusieQ says--Our culture says if a person is not interested in something someone else thinks is very important, it makes that person stupid or maybe even evil; just listen to the news if you don’t believe me. 

Some sharp elbows are poked into some ribs.  When CadillacJack’s wife thinks her husband is saying something stupid, she elbows him (i.e. meaning keep your mouth shut stupid—you’re putting your foot in your mouth).  Sooooo how does the wife know if he is saying something stupid?  Maybe the wife is just stupid in thinking that.  CrazyMarvin says—That is a judgment call just like pass interference; ya got to let New York review it and make the final call.

An old client and friend (i.e. 97) just passed on.  She was a nice lady and very positive and content.  I was talking to one of her relatives and she pointed out something about her that I never noticed but after she told me, I do remember it.  It being that whenever she talked, she ended it with a laugh.  And she did.  That is a good way to remember her. 

Arlene is now a resident of the memory unit at Arlington Place, 95 D Avenue, Grundy Center IA  50638.  A friend suggested that I let you know that she would like your company as many folks won’t come if they don’t know that (i.e. she will probably recognize you).  Soooo if you locals would like to visit her, she would like that (i.e. I’m not saying you folks are local as like stupid but I’m saying locals like you live close).  My big sister, only in age, who does a lot of visiting of care facility residents, suggested that I tell you guys to go in pairs as it’s a lot easier (i.e. she is sooooo smart and kind). Many of you have had the experience of having family or friends in a care facility sooooo I’m preaching to the choir here, but it was much more emotional than I thought it would be.  It’s a new chapter in Arlene’s and my life.  I like new experiences but this one not!!!  Stupid erv, for not figuring that out earlier! A wise person down the street says—"When I hear someone sigh, ‘Life is hard,’ I am always tempted to ask, ‘Compared to what?’”

AverageJoe says—Obviously there are some opinions and statements that are time-wasting and maybe just plain stupid. I have had a lot of encouragement from you folks.  But not your encouragement.  No no. Your encouragement is up lifting.  Thanksamillion.  The encouragement that made me laugh the loudest was from TheVikingFromMN.  He text-- Thinking about you--Want me to beat somebody up

I read this advice in the paper sooooo it must be right (i.e. maybe it was just directed at me—could be)—When the going gets tough, you should just hit pause.  Assimilate what is happening for 10 minutes. Your thoughts will be much clearer.

How stupid can a person be anyway!   You ever say that toooo yourself.  I have; I admit it.  I seem to just do stupid things sometimes even when I know better.  Ouchy ouchy!  If you look or study the history of folks on this earth from the beginning of time, well, it appears that a lot of folks have done stupid things time after time after time.  Will we ever learn do you think?  I think not.  Why do you think humans are that way?  That is what I thought. Yes, because of my ego, I think others do a lot more of stupid things than I do. Da! Again, stupid erv!

LuckieEddie says—We can be stupid folks; we remember stupid things, say stupid things and then do stupid things.  A friend told me that her and her sister use to be inseparable.  Then she got a divorce and had to spend time making a living and being with her grand boy. She didn’t have time to spend with her sister.  When she once again had time, her sister was not receptive to her (i.e. they no longer have much of a relationship—very sad).  As MissPerfect says--There are three sides to every story: your side, my side, and the truth. And no one is lying. Memories shared serve each differently.

One sweet little gal told me that their family enjoys going to Chick-fil-a.  They enjoy the food and the atmosphere.  She told me that when you say thank you to the employees, they say—My pleasure.  I called customer service of Chick-fil-a and they told me they encourage all their employees to say that.  I mentioned this to some friends, and they said Kum and Go employees all say—See you next time, when you pay for their product.  One friend said that the convenient store employees, he thought Holiday in the metro, all say—Take it easy when you leave.  I have had family, friends, and acquaintances say to me—I love you when they encourage me about Arlene and my transition (i.e. very uplifting and encouraging).  I suggest you do this.  For some of you it might be awkward at first but what a great message of feeling you can send (i.e. my opinion).  Saturday question--Do you leave church knowing God loves you (i.e. uplifting you with a good taste in your mouth) instead of leaving church feeling like I’m terrible and feel beat up (i.e. the taste in your mouth is of spoiled milk). Soooo for those of you who go to church, what kind of taste does your church (i.e. the church is the people) send folks home with? I hope it’s an uplifting and encouraging taste.  If not, there is something stupid going on (i.e. my opinion). 

You guys are really great folks except for one of you and you know who you are!!  ha ha  Never forget that.  Even when there are times when you don’t feel like you are great folks.  NEVER NEVER forget that you are great folks.  Be careful what and who you listen toooooo.  Some of those folks are stupid. They hurt your confidence.  Stay away from those stupid folks is my advice. 

When it’s all said and done, I want you to know that I have put a lot of thought into this “It’s Saturday” (i.e. whatever that means to you).  BUT what I think is probably maybe right to me may not be right to you (i.e. you might think it’s stupid). I understand that.  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Home is a place where you grow up wanting to leave and grow old wanting to get back to.