the story continues

GeorgeTheCrook says—erv, there is usually more to the story than what you write.  Most of the time, there is more to the story than you even know about.  I agree GeorgeTheCrook?  There might even be more to the story that we tell others (i.e. like we might not tell the whole truth).  Could be!

They didn’t listen to a word I said!  I called The Waterloo Courier to have them put my paper on vacation hold while I was gone.  They didn’t listen to a word I said; they kept delivering it while I was gone.  Now ain’t that something. Maybe they didn’t understand me. Could be.  MissPerfect says—Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. Soooooo what can I do about this situation?  One of the easiest things is tooooo just go forward; forget about it.  It’s only a few bucks.  Right?  What do you think I did? The story continues.

While eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it, I read what RickyRick wrote—"Here’s some good news: Your brain stores everything. But it’s also bad news: Your brain stores everything. Your brain can’t distinguish between what’s imaginary and what’s real. It takes in both truth and lies. You have stored all kinds of garbage in your brain. And whether you realize it or not, often you base your decisions upon that garbage” Take that into consideration when reading this “It’s Saturday.”  Sooooo folks, what I write is based on the impute in my brain and how you interpret it will be based on the impute in your brain.  JoeBlow says—Now that makes for a lot of variables; God only knows how this is going to turn out (i.e. “stuff written” can mean different things to different people because of a lot of different reasons). That is why we don’t always understand each other.  We are programed differently because of our past environment and our genetics.  Don’t kid yourself.  Now that is the “long tail” of the matter. Such is life

Here is something interesting I learned while hiking in the back country of UT.  One of our guides had pancreatic cancer.  He decided not to take chemotherapy but instead took a cocktail including a heavy dose of Vitamin 13 which is not legal in the U.S.  He has been cancer free for about 2 years. The story continues.

I think some folks make me happy and some folks take away some of my happiness!  Yikes! I really do.  Why is that do you think? And the story will continue!  Our neighbor down the street says--Few things rob your happiness faster than being criticized or feeling like others are working against you. Why? Because we all want to be loved. We all want approval. We all want people to like us. You don’t need other people’s approval to be happy. You’re as happy as you choose to be! If others are unhappy with you, that’s their choice. If you haven’t earned someone’s approval by now, you’re probably not going to get it. And you’re going to be miserable if you try to live for the approval of everybody else. You can be happy no matter what happens if you look at every problem from God’s viewpoint and never let what other people say or do control your happiness. I believe that but it’s sooooo hard to stay in that focus.  I think I have to be around folks who share that thinking (i.e. my opinion).  What do you think? That is what I thought.

One of our guides told us that he thinks there are many native folks of Kanab who have never seen the National Parks including the Grand Canyon even though they are all in their back yard.  Many folks travel from all over the world to see them and they live within a few miles and don’t go and see them. He just can’t understand that. The story continues. 

I read this in the paper soooooo it must be right—Matt Campbell, IA State’s football coach, is well like by everyone it seems.  One of the reasons is that he makes you feel like you are right. He also makes folks feel that they are part of the coaching staff discussing issues in the coach’s office.  He makes you feel part of the effort.  I would assume that means that he is a humble person and real, but I don’t know him personally.  He appears that way though; that is the impression he gives me (i.e. whatever that means). My interpretation of the big picture is—Humility seems to work a lot better than huge massive egos!

Folks who are with Hospice are sweet and tender folks.  Not rough and aggressive but sweet folks. They have sweet caring hearts.  Someguys and somegals don’t!  Arlene reacts to gentle and soft speaking resident assistants way better than the rough and hard type.  She is much more cooperative; she can figure those folks out real fast.  And Arlene has less than half a brain.  Because who they are, their approach to Arlene is much different.  Some of those employees are very kind, sweet, tender and have very good hearts (i.e. my kind of folks).  

We have to make sure that you and I move on; the story will continue folks!  WorldClassLarry says—Thirty years from now, much of the stuff that we think is sooooo important will have no importance.  None!  Actually, maybe a week from now!  It appears that folks who can’t move on, really have a problem.

The story goes on from my trip.  I stopped at the Hot Springs pool in Glenwood Springs, CO on the way back from UT.  It it's good enough for Teddy Roosevelt, it's good enough for me.  I walked in the hot mineral water and then sat in the therapeutic end of the pool where the water is about 104 degrees.  A guy sits by me and he talks.  He was from Cincinnati and winters near Aspen.  I asked him if he skies--of course I ski; two years ago I skied at Snowmass 149 times--that is how many days they were open--I skied every day, didn't miss one--skied from open to close with a minimum of 8 runs a day--got a congratulatory letter and gifts from the CEO.  How old are you anyway--I'm 82.  And I plan to do that again this year. And the story continues. 

  

I saw this decoration in a neat person’s bathroom who is both sweet and kind. I know many nice, kind folks (i.e. many of you are that way).  I know many sweet females and tender guys (i.e. many of you are that way).  BUT I don’t think sweetness and tenderness can be learned like niceness and kindness.  Sweet and tender folks are usually nice and kind folks, but nice and kind folks aren’t always sweet and tender. ItchieBitchie says—I also know folks who aren’t sweet and tender or nice and kind.

And the story continues.  A few years ago, my wife and I (i.e. Michiganers) flew to Hong Kong to do a seminar for some of our missionaries. About halfway through the 17-hour flight, we went through the most horrendous storm. We were pitching and jolting. The plane was tilting, and everybody was getting antsy. They were obviously disturbed by the circumstances. The crew asked over the speaker, “Is there a minister on the plane?” I raised my hand. They approached me and said, “Everyone’s pretty upset because of the flight. Can you do something spiritual?” So I took an offering!

I asked one guide, what is best source of leads for you and your company.  He said—Reviews on trip advisor.  I was surprised.  He asked all of us, if we had a good time, if we would write a review.  He also said—most folks don’t.  I will.  I liked him.  He did a good job.  We have a tendency to complain when things aren’t good but don’t respond when things went well. Do you like it when folks tell you that you did a good job?  That is what I thought.

We bought an old antique regulator school clock maybe 30 years ago.  You old-timers might have wound it when you were a kid at your one-room schoolhouse; you never know. ANYWAY, Arlene really liked it soooo we bought it.  It has been tic tocking for all that time. A few days ago, it quit.  I tried to start it several times but no success.  Then I wondered if it was maybe a little off balance hanging on the wall (i.e. not level enough).  Bingo.  It won’t work if it’s not pretty level.  That is sorta kinda like me; when I’m a little off balance, I don’t tic toc very well or not at all.  Such is life.

A gal in our hiking group in UT was 49.  She told us that she has gained and lost 100 pounds 5 times in her life; she said it happened each time she got pregnant.  The story continues.

I lost my phone in the open range of the back country in UT while driving a Polaris side by side in some deep sand and rocks.  I was mad at myself as I didn’t use enough caution (i.e. I always zipped it in my hiking pants but forgot this time).  It’s nothing that money couldn’t fix!  When we got back to Kanab, I went to the Family Dollar store and bought a burner phone.  It amazed me the phone was $20 and the SIM card for 60 minutes for 90 days was $15. The gal who waited on me was a nice gal who was about 20, had a lot of body piercing and also heavily tattooed.  She activated it for me. I got the right person to help me (i.e. she was very nice--I offered to tip her, but she declined). Stuff happens folks.  I told our son that I felt guilty at times during the trip that Mom could not be with me.  He asked me—Dad, what are the alternatives (i.e. other possible scenarios)?  I said—I don’t think there are any others.  Sooooo there, you answered your question.  Ya gotta move on the best you can.  I guess much like my lost phone situation.

Both of our guides were raised Mormon but neither one are currently practicing Mormons; they are called Jack Mormons (i.e. I have no reason why they are called that).  One guide said he put ex-lax in the pancakes when he was a kid and got kicked out and the other one said he likes to drink, smoke and drink coffee.  One of those guides said that he worships the Spirit every day out in the beautiful creation.  The story continues.

 A friend sent me a text that she heard a sermon last Sunday that God sees the big picture and we don’t (i.e. some folks might not agree with that—they think they know everything). I heard a sermon recently when the pastor (i.e. who was a female—I realize that some of you don’t accept female pastors sooooo you probably won’t listen to this—that is your choice) started her talk saying—Is it more important to have a fish on the back of your car or help someone in need?  Is it more important to go to church all the time or actually be kind?  And the story continues; whichever story you like.

Both of our guides moved to this area of the country to be in the wide-open spaces and to enjoy the geography and wilderness.  Their move was a planned move to enjoy their life and their lifestyle.  Both are very adventurous and seem to really enjoy traveling.  They both seemed to be doing what they really enjoy doing. And the story continues.

In John Grisham’s new book, The Guardians, Cullen Post is visiting with police chief Bruno McKnatt about his involvement in the investigation of a murder of some 22 years ago.  After the conversation, Post said about McKnatt—There is more to his story.  He saw right through him; he has seen folks like this before.  I have that feeling with folks sometimes.  Do you?  The feeling that there is more to a person’s story than what they are telling me!

This “It’s Saturday” is just a is merism about “stuff” but you get the idea, maybe. And maybe not. This “It’s Saturday” doesn’t contain the same ingredients that the energy bars Heather picked out for me for my hiking but they both share the same ingredient that is not in the bars or this “It’s Saturday” either!  LuckieEddie says--Well, that might be a matter of opinion. Now we will never know for sure will we! Either way folks, suck it up cupcake and let’s get going! We’re burnin’ daylight!

I would guess that there is more to your story than what I know about you and/or what you have told me!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—To have joy one must share it.  Happiness was born a twin.