laugh & cry & think

This might make you laugh and cry and think!  Being around these Cunucks down her in the Valley of the Sun (i.e. sun is a lot easier to scoop than snow), I learned how they named Canada.  I understand that there was quite a uproar as to what the country should be called soooooo they put all the letters in a bag and drew letters out to form the name of the country.  The first person put their hand in and drew out C "A", the second person drew N "A" and the third person drew out D "A"!   Did you hear about the Cunuck who read the sign--Drink Canada Dry!  So he went out and tried to drink Canada dry.  He said he couldn't do it!  Such is life.

MissPerfect, I think you are between a rock and a hard place (i.e.between the devil and the deep blue sea)!  Have any of you ever been there?  Now that can make a guy laugh and cry and think alright!  Life seems at times to be a dilemma.  Sometimes it appears we are stymied.  It is not a good feeling.  GeorgeTheCrook says--It only takes one person to cause the group to become toxic (i.e. just one person).  Flipthepancake!  It can just take one person to energize a group toooooo (i.e. like Lin for the Knicks).  Saturday question--Are you the energizing bunny or the toxic waste?  Some folks make others laugh, cry and think. 

We sent gifts for Valentine's Day to Grandpa and Grandmas' Heisman winners.  Oh ya!  We don't know if the gifts make the grand kids laugh, cry or think!  Such is life.

Life is about how you handle Plan B (i.e. and outside influences affect Plan B)!  Joesixpack says--Somebody has to do something, it is just incredibly pathetic that it has to be me. Now that is something to think about, cry about or laugh about.  GeorgeTheCrook says--Wisdom is not repeating all the stupid things we've done in our past (i.e. failure to quite is living in a vice grip).  Ouchy ouchy!  After further review, you did some stupid stuff GeorgeTheCrook!  And if you can't stop repeating those stupid things, you will become a violent person.  AverageJoe says--It's difficult to steer a parked car, soooooo get moving GeorgeTheCrook (i.e. quit your sputtering); Life is not a shot in the dark, it's a process!  Such is life.

If you can read this you have a strong mind, they say !!  7H15 M3554G3 53RV35 7O PR0V3 H0W 0UR M1ND5 C4N D0 4M4Z1NG 7H1NG5! 1MPR3551V3 7H1NG5! 1N 7H3 B3G1NN1NG 17 WA5 H4RD BU7 N0W, 0N 7H15 LIN3 Y0UR M1ND 1S R34D1NG 17 4U70M471C4LLY W17H 0U7 3V3N 7H1NK1NG 4B0U7 17, B3 PROUD! 0NLY C3R741N P30PL3 C4N R3AD 7H15."  Now that is an oom papa oom papa mow mow!

An older gal sitting next to me at a concert told me that she made a list of all the good concerts last year so she knows which ones she wanted to go to this year.  I asked if I could see her list.  She said--You could but I can't remember where I put the list!  Now that will make a guy laugh, cry and think.  A older guy I golfed with told me he gets up at 5 every morning--what in the world do you do at 5 every morning--I have a piece of toast, read the paper and then go for a hour walk, come back and have a bowl of cereal and then take a nap!  Now that will make a guy laugh, cry and think!  He said--I'm retired, I can do what ever I want and I don't have to worry what others think!  Such is life in the Valley.

Jan and Gene visited us for a couple of days.  Gene and I played golf one day with Mike (i.e. my ex-business partner and Ron our buddy).  My golf game makes me laugh, cry and think.  Ron and I wanted to hike Camelback Mountain yesterday but there was a fatality there soooo the mountain was closed (i.e. we will try again).  And you think this life is easy down here in the valley!  I was sitting in the car at Frey's Grocery store parking lot waiting for Arlene to get a few groceries.  I put my seat back and was taking a nap.  I noticed that my mouth would come open when I fell to sleep.  It usually doesn't do that.  Just then buddy Jim came buy and tapped on my window.  He's an engineer and I asked him why my mouth came open.  He didn't know.  Now that will make a guy laugh, cry and think! 

My kid sister and I went to the hot tube one night rather late. She asked me if the hot tub is hot as she doesn't like it if the water isn't hot. I said--There is nutten but ol' folks here and they demand that the water is hot (i.e. old folks want every thing hot as they are always cold). Sooooooo we get in and she says--The water is nice and hot (i.e. she is 62 now toooooo folks). Soooooooo the next afternoon she and Arlene go to the pool late and she wants to go for a swim. As she was getting in the water when some old lady says the water is cold; it's 82 degrees and that's cold; it has to be 86 to be warm. My kid sister has a pool in MI and they think 82 is bath water. Soooooo they are leaving the pool and some old lady asked her if the water is hot. She didn't quite know hot to answer her sooooo she said--It's 82. The old lady (i.e. maybe overly ripe) said, that's cold; I'd freeze my ass off at 82; it's got to be 86 for me to go in! Such is live in a 55+ community in the Valley of the Sun! Our hot tub was broken Monday night sooooo after golf and dinner Gene, Jan, Arlene and I went to the main pool and hot tub (i.e. about 9:30). There were two couples in the hot tub but didn't have it activated. I said--should I turn it on. They said -- no. It makes toooooo much noise then we talk loud and everyone can hear us all over. One lady told us the regular pool was warm--88 degrees she said. I said, are you sure, that's pretty hot. She reached between her breast and pulled out a thermometer which was on a string around her neck and said--I have proof. Only in a 55+ community with old folks. The hot tub was hot toooooooo (i.e. 102)! Older folks are horses of their own in a wild west show let me tell ya. I spent most of the morning doing some stuff and then Arlene and I went and did some stuff together. Arlene informed me that I had my shirt on insideout the most of the morning. It was no big deal, others just thought I was being stylish or old. Take your pick. Folks don't really care. We're just common folks doing uncommon stuff! Ya gotta do stuff before you get the message--The future called and your home is ready! Soooooo there isn't much good in bellyaching about a three butt or something. Ya just can't go wrong by being appreciative. To sustain a good attitude, it's good to have a ditchitalmemory of bad stuff just like having a ditchitalcamera. Hanging unto bad memories is very invasive. Remember good memories is a lot better. Such is life.

Does this make you laugh, cry or think?  There aren't many opportunities for cougars here in the 55+ communities (i.e. 'cause there aren't any younger romantic men--they are all old).  I wonder if the gals at the pool look over the guys and wonder if they are available and I wonder if the guys do the same.  You think soooooo?  There has to be single folks here both male and female 'cause of divorce or death.  Maybe those guys are more interested in the net worth or how they cook than how they look at the pool.  Maybe those gals can put up with big bellies if the guy's net worth is ok and he can play cards.  I don't know.  What do you think?  My mentor always say--Things aren't always as they appear; thinks are never as good as they look and never as bad as they look!  MissPerfect says--What happens in the Valley, stays in the Valley; you didn't see nutten!

We go to music concerts sometimes on Thursday nights at the 1st Baptist in Apache Junction (i.e. ya got to go early as old folks go early).  ANYWAY I was looking at the Blackwood Quartet members and wondered if I didn't know they were musicians in their black suits and ties but saw them on the street what would I would think of them.  The first guy I thought would be a salesman at Earndardt Toyota, the second would be the guy on a Harley with high handlebars next to me at the red light at the intersection of Sossaman and Power, the third guy would be a wild animal trainer at the circus and the fourth guy would be a retired CEO of a bowling ball company.  I wonder if they knew my thoughts if that would make them laugh, cry or think! 

Ol'friendCharlieTheSnowbird here in the Valley made me laugh and cry and think alright.  OldCharlieFromMn was at Starbucks recently when he suddenly realized he desperately had to fart.  The music was really, really loud so he timed his fart with the beat of the music.  After a couple of songs he started feeling better.  He finished his coffee and noticed that everyone was staring at him.  And suddenly he remembered he was listening to his ipod!  Ouchy ouchy

ItchieBitchie says--If you live in an average American home, you flush the toilet five times a day, using 18½ gallons of water. This comes to 5.7 billion gallons of clean drinking water literally “down the drain” each day.  Now that's a lot of water folks just to flush the toilet.  And I know some of you are above the average!! Those figures can make a guy laugh and cry and think all right.  Sooooooo I guess at the end of each day, our day is down the drain--soooooo what did we do with it?  Do you constant complain about everything in your life?  Oh brother! A lifelong habit of complaining consumed NegitiveIrene's entire personality. Eventually, there was nothing left of her but a grumble, “going on forever like a machine". It takes a real storm in the average person's life to make him realize how much worrying he has done over the squalls. There are also very positive folks (i.e. adventured inspired); we're not all cut from the same cloth.
Ah-chow! Gegundheit!  Ya, some folks make us laugh, some make us cry and some make us think.  Which one do you think you are?

We drove up to Sedona Wednesday night to connect again with my kid sister and her husband.  We did some hiking and then rode the Pink Jeeps (i.e. I bet some of you folks have rode them).  We had a hoot!  Our driver told us somethings that I didn't know that was quite interesting to me.  That the Southwest, including AZ, 150 years ago was wet and had grass up to the horses' bellies.  Only 150 years ago.  Also that rodents don't pee.  Also did you know that AZ on Valentines Day celebrated it's 100 years of being a state.  100 years ago there was no law in this part of the country.  That's not sooooo long ago folks.  It said in the paper soooooo it must be right that 64% of visitors (i.e. 130,000 annually) come to Red Rock Country seeking some type of spiritual experience. Sedona is believed by some to be a vortex meditation site, places of power in the red rocks that enhance prayer, contemplation, and reflection for people of all faiths. Vortex sites are some of the most visited and impacted sites on the national forest.  Now that could make a guy laugh, cry or think folks!  Such is life.

SusieQ says--Laugh and the world will laugh with you; snore and you sleep alone!

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

laughcrythinkerv

MyFriendJean says--It is always worth while to make others aware of their worth.

ok

Most days when I come home from one of my activities Arlene asks me how was my day.  My usual remark is--It was ok!  Ok means that--ok.  I'm not for much getting all excited or disappointed sooooo most everything I do is ok.  BUT some days are better than others in the ok category (i.e. it has quite a range).  When I say I really had a good time way beyond the range in the ok category it is 'cuase I had the opportunity to help someone in some way (i.e. now that makes me excited).  Does any of this make any sense to you? 

Ya want to hear some interesting information? Ok!  Remember last year I told you about meeting Kirby Dreyer,  http://www.kirbydreher.com/  the young gal from Canada who played on the Future Tournament (i.e. just below the LPGA)?  When she was a kid she played golf in the summer and hockey in the winter.  Well she qualified through the Qualifying School for the LPGA this year.  She was in the Valley sooooo we and a couple of my buddies had the opportunity to play with her once again.  After her shots we didn't say, that was an ok shot, we said that's a great shot.  Let me tell you her golf game is more than ok!  Oh ya.  And to top it off, she's a real nice gal.  I wish good stuff to happen for her.  Joesixpack says--You can pick your friends but not your relation!  I invited my cousin-in-law to play with us.  This guy is ok.  He really is and he's an animal (i.e. Secretariat #2).  He's 73 and carries his clubs, going to hike the Grand Canyon here soon, down and up all in the same day, and does the 60 mile Breast Cancer Walk.  He's also an avid flower gardener.  And he does it all without one hair every getting out of place (i.e. he looks like a model out of some men's magazine let me tell ya).  Don't let that fool ya, he's one tough dude!  The fourth member of our foursome was BigPete, my pickle ball buddy.  He's ok!  Really he's ok even if he has a pink golf bag, 6 pink golf shirts and hits the ball a ton (i.e. he likes pink he says).  I think he's ok!  Really he's ok.  I can tell! This outing was an ok, fun time let me tell ya.  It's just seems soooooo strange for this athletic, big guy to love the color of pink.  CadillacJack says--Now that is some interesting information that is of little importance let me tell ya!

It's ok to play with a pink ladies gold ball that my buddy, TheCnuckwiththeLincolnTownCar, uses I guess.  It's not for me but he likes it.  Soooooo!  ItchieBitchie says--I have played golf a few times and it's a nice enough game if you like that sort of thing and if you can make up your own rules.  Talk about suggestions or rules (i.e. depends who you are and what you think).  It said in the paper soooooo it must be right that this about heart disease:  You can't pick your parents, you can pick your lifestyle.  The most significant risk factors for heart disease is genetics.  Ouchy ouchy!  My dad died of heart problems at the age of 56.  In the 'who knew?' category, a less well-known way to protect your heart is to regularly flossing your teeth to remove bacteria because bacteria in dental plaque can travel to your heart and cause disease.  MissPerfect says--Maybe those folks who are flossing their teeth in public might be ok after all!  Strong on the maybe MissPerfect (i.e. that's much like a guy playing a pink golf ball)!  I always give my friend a hard time.  I gave him a hard time about his pink ball and he said to me--Up your nose with a garden hose!!!  GovernmentKenFromMN said--Oh cockroach when he missed a putt (i.e. I have heard him say a lot worse)! It's just plain amazing what I learn from these guys.  And I don't have to pay anything for it.  Such is life.

Look at that will ya.  We were at Target; I was waiting for Arlene and just sitting in their little Pizza Hut by the entrance watching folks.  This gal looked at me and smiled.  I smiled back and said--Are you going somewhere special today or coming from work as you are all dressed up (i.e. she was dressed up quite fancy).  She said--no, I dress up to go shopping, run errands, get gas or anything; I just always dress up in public.  I asked her if she was ok as no one does that anymore!  She laughed and told me she was born in 1951 and was just taught that by her mom.  She was of dark skin if that would make a difference. We had a nice talk and we both left happy from the ok experience.  Such is life.

My kid sister, Doris and her husband Larry spent the week with us.  They are ok!  Doris is my favorite younger sister (i.e. the only one I have).  Our Father, Chester, died when Doris was 13 and our Mother Anna died when Doris was 18 sooooooo Doris had no parents at quite a young age.  She has really done better than ok; she has done super.  She is a great, wonderful gal.  We had great parents but they just didn't live long enough!  I still miss them a lot.  ANYWAY We enjoy  Doris and Larrys' company even though they have saddle sores from sittin' on the saddle the wrong way.  But really they are ok!.  It even says they are ok sooooooo they must be ok!  The Earp boys and Doc Holiday won again.  Who would ever guess that Doris and I would run 3 miles early Friday morning togather in AZ at the age of 62 and 66 when we were kids growing up a mile and a fourth south of Roseland, MN.  That experience was better than ok, it was very special to me.

The big group of folks in the picture may look like a Super PAC but they are really only my cousins and their spouses (i.e. Dykema cousins on my Mom's side down here in the Valley).  I'm not a mind reader but but have access to an iPhone voice program which says they are all ok!  We had lunch at Texaz Grill which was ok and the event was ok+!  Part of the good in us and part of the bad in us came from our Dykema mothers.  We had nutten to say about it.  BUT our Moms, Anna, Louise and Berdina were/are very nice ladies (i.e. not just ok but great ladies).  We have been blessed to have them as our Moms.  No question.  

Soooooooo Arlene asked my how my day was at the 16th of the Phoenix Open.  It was ok.  Another experience. that was interesting.  The 16th is really about money.  There are maybe a couple hundred sky boxes that rent to corporations for $45,000 each which entitles them to entertain 34 folks each day (i.e. all free food and drink).  We got to eat the food and it was very good.  Soooo you can imagine after drinking free drinks for hours how the crowd gets.  The age of the crowd was young (i.e. many in their 30s).  Another volunteer said to me--The gals are trolling using their best bait (i.e. ya they were) but most of the folks were very nice to me.  It's one big crazy party atmosphere.  Like I said, an experience.  A talented female bartender serving the free drinks can make up to $1,500 a day in tips.  I asked her what makes a good bartender to get tips like that--cleavage, a lot of cleavage! My job was to check their passes to gain entrance to this certain section of the sky boxes.  I also had to ask the cigar smokes to not smoke in the sky box area if I saw someone (i.e. seemed like a fair number of them smoked cigars--I think that is sorta kinda part of the image maybe).  ANYWAY I tried to have fun with them and they treated my quite nice.  It might make a difference how you treat them.  You think sooooooo! Oh ya, there were a few older guys with their trophy babes who had to act very important but the younger folks were really fun to be around. Abraham Lincoln said--Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.

Drinking can get ya to Boot Hill folks. Joesixpack asks--Is it ok to drink?  I just happened to be around 4 guys within the last week and they talked about drinking.  All four quite drinking (i.e. a couple in their 20s) 'casue they realized that drinking really was affecting their life in a very negative way.  Now that is self-discipline.  LuckieEddie says--It only takes one person to change your life--you!  My Daddy, Chester, use to tell me--erv, self discipline is the best discipline.  I think these guys have a lot of wisdom.  What do you think?  Yabut when you are young, it all about fun a.k.a. sometimes foolishness.We went to church the Sunday and got there 10 minutes early and there were not 2 seats left together.  Arlene and I had to set separately.  It was packed with old folks.  Is that wisdom do you think--seeking God and His wisdom?  I think soooooo folks.  Saturday question--Are intelligence and wisdom the same?  Of course they aren't.  I know folks who are very smart but aren't very wise (i.e. I think many of those young folks fall into that category at their age--my opinion).  Pastor John told this story:  Gingrich, a pastor, a boy scout were being flown in a small plane.  The pilot told them that the plane was have some sever problems and was going down.  And even worse, there are only three parachutes.  Since I have a young family I will need one.  Soooo he took one and jumped.  Gingrich said, since I'm the smartest guy in the world I deserve one.  Soooo he took one and jumped.  The pastor said, I'm much older than you young man.  You take the last parachute sooo you can live a complete life.  The young boy scout said, we are ok, Gingrich who thinks he is the smartest guy in the world, just took my back pack! 

We stopped in Benson for dinner on our way back from Fort Bowie and Tombstone at the Horse Shoe Cafe on Main Street.  They had a little sign in their place that said--We trade gossip for coffee!  It was an ok place but I have never seen soooooooo many newspaper vending machines in front of one cafe before. It must be an ok place. 

LuckieEddie says-ok ok ok erv, your writing is not Nobel Prize type of stuff soooooo that's enough for one Saturday, wrap it up will ya! 

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

okerv

MyFriendJean says--The best thing you can give someone is a chance.

coming around

Listen up you hockey pucks!  Okay who became famous for calling folks hockey pucks?  I bet more snowbirds know than do the younger generations.  FYI, stuff in this "It's Saturday" is not secretive but for some it's highly sensitive though.  There's no doubt about it. I'm not kiddin' ya folks!

Joesixpack says--I think she's coming around.  What does that mean anyway?  Is she becoming like a round ball or a round barrel?  Or is it that she is changing and starting to act the way he wants her to act?  Maybe she's like a boomerang and coming back (i.e. she's coming around)?  Joesixpack, I don't know for sure what "coming around" means but if HerbTheCankerSore doesn't come around soon,  he will find himself in a roadside ditch with dirt on his body or worse yet, lights out!  Talk about comin' around!  John and Roberta, snowbirds in Mesa, were touring their brand new house her in the Valley. It was a house that Roberta had paid for with her money, a fact of which she constantly reminded John. In each room of the house she said to her husband: "John, if it were not for my money, we would not be here." John didn't say a word.  That afternoon a truck delivered a load of new furniture...furniture which Roberta paid for with her money. After the furniture was in its place, they toured the house again. As they observed each room, beautifully appointed and magnificently decorated, Roberta reminded her husband: "John, if it were not for my money, this furniture would not be here." Again, John was silent. Late in the afternoon another truck came with a special piece of furniture which was to be the focal point of the family room. It was a combination stereo-television-computer center all wrapped into one gorgeous piece of furniture. Roberta paid for it with her money. When it was in place, Roberta again said: "John, if it were not for my money, that beautiful electronics system would not be here." Finally, John spoke:  "Honey, I don't want to make you feel bad, but...if it were not for your money, I wouldn't be here either!"

Around and around and around we go, where we stop no one knows.  The other day when playing pickle ball, the ball went off the court by the sidewalk.  As I was retrieving it, folks were coming back from the activity center where they were severing free coffee and donuts.  I came face to face with this very round lady and said--Soooooo you're coming back from free coffee and donuts!  She said, ya we are.  I said without thinking--Sooooooo how many did you eat?  Ouchy ouchy!  She came around with a right hook and that's how I got my back eye!  Only kidding about the right hook but she did give me a different look. 

Comin' around!  I was coming back from playing ping pong at Sun Life the other day.  I was riding my bike east on Broadway just before Power when there was a vehicle in the bike lane up ahead.  As I got closer I could see that the van had a flat tire and the guy had the rear door open.  I asked him if I could help him.  Jon (i.e. I know it was Jon as it said it on his shirt and also said Maintenance Leisure World).  Jon didn't really say much soooooo I just started helping him.  Then a big diesel pickup pulls up behind us and a guy gets out and asks if he could help--I said sure, more help is always good. Again Jon didn't say much.  Sooooo this guy and I are changing the tire and he says--I''m Tom Cooper and want to invite you to our church Broadway Christian.  I said, we go there and I know Pastor John a little.  Pastor John suggested I read the book, Who Stole My Church by Gordon  MacDonald (i.e. I just got done with it--bought it on Amazon used--it's a great read about church change--it's not a b c or 1 2 3 type of book but a story of a fictitious church and change--interesting read and very thought provoking).  ANYWAY back to changing the tire.  Tom is the Mission Director.  We talked about some of their mission projects they have going.  Jon didn't say much.  When we got done, Tom gave us his card and said to me--see you in church.  And he looked Jon right in his eyes and said to him--If ever I can help you in any way, just call me.  Jon didn't say anything.  Tom went back to his pickup and I got on my bike.  End of story.  Huh, interesting.

MissPerfect says--You are only one defining decision away from a totally different life (i.e. and what do you think would be such a defining decision that could totally change your life?)  Sooooo many folks seek the key to the meaning of life, not realizing it's a combination lock.  MissPerfect asks--When do you know when you are coming around anyway?  Good question MissPerfect.  When we were in Waukee last weekend, we went to a business that had some sayings on the walls.  I took a few pictures of them.  They were sayings about life.  Sooooo guess what kind of business they came from.  You IA folks might even know what business we were at.  Answer later.

Talk about comin' around!  My Daddy, Chester, would tell me--Most folks don't spend enough time thinking (i.e. think things out).  They don't take time to strategize but go off half cocked.  That makes them reactive instead of proactive.  I really believe that I need "strategize retreats" in my life.  Time alone so I can focus and plan and think and mediate and pray.  I really believe in order to be really constructive, a person has to have quit time.  That's my opinion folks.  ItchieBitchie says--Tooooo many folks waste there time 'cause they don't think before they act (i.e. sitting on the couch eating chips and watching TV).  Wasting time is wasting your opportunities. Thinking makes a person come around! We need to listen more for guidance.  James 1:5 says--If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him (i.e. God will give us wisdom if we just ask).  Pastor John says--God will give you wisdom but you still must make the decision (i.e. and decisions have consequences).  SupermanRich says--God  predestines everything sooooo I have nutten to do with it.  Total predestination, I think is hogwash (i.e. my opinion).  Maybe our prayer should be--Lord speak to me.  I'm listening! 

These guys make the highlight reel!  They are really that good.  These guys are sooooo full of wisdom (i.e. they just drip with wisdom) soooo I got them together and tried to learn from them.  They are a retired GM engineer, a wounded Koren War Pilot, and a ND beet farmer who flew helicopters in the service.  They are all very successful (i.e. age 85, 78 and 75.  I meet them through golf over three years down here in the Valley.  I invited them to come over to our condo patio and just talk.  I learned a lot from these guys.  I want to come around like they did.  I picked their minds!  The wisdom only cost me some popcorn and some beverage!  Pretty cheap wouldn't ya say! 

Bush gave Obama some guidance.  Did you know that?  When Obama took office, he had a short session with Bush.  Bush told him that he is popular now but it probably won't always be that way.  When that happens, I have put 3 envelopes in the desk drawer for you.  Sure enough, the public became unhappy sooooo Obama took out the first envelope and opened it.  It said--Blame me!  He did and it seemed to work for a while but things again went bad.  Sooo he opened the second envelope and it said--Blame Congress!  He did and it worded for a while but once again things went bad sooooo he opened the 3rd envelope and it said--Make 3 envelopes!!!!!

GeorgeTheCrook says--Ya gotta keep pressing on in life.  On and on and on!  Keep pressing on!  CadillacJack says--Your face is a reflection of your life.  Saturday question--What does your face look like anyway?  It looks like you have it all together it seems boy!  Do you really?  You look sooooo goood.  Is it as goood as it looks?  How do you see your future life?  "The Best thing about the future
is that it comes one day at a time." ~Abraham Lincoln~
Joesixpack says--Facts are facts and will not disappear on account of your likes. Coming around in managing his finances.  GeorgeTheCrook says--It's how you manage the small stuff that will determine how you mange the big stuff.  Instead of watching the dollars, you watch the quarters and dimes!  It says in the paper soooooo it must be right, that 75 to 80 percent of martial splits involve finances.  That is why maybe a good financial advisor could really help like a mentor or someone who seems to do well with their personal finances.  Saturday questions--Do you manage your money much like your parents do?  Did your parents teach you good money management? Where did you learn to manage your money? If you are married, does your spouse have the same philosophy of money management as you do? 

We have a tendency to do things very fast before thinking.  We live in a fast society...sooooooo fast that the cell phone companies advertise that they are 13 seconds faster.  13 seconds folks!  SusieQ says--You are what you think and what you do!  What you put in will come out.  I play with pickle ball players who get better 'cause they practice.  Huh, interesting! I try to mimic the good stuff of the stronger players so I can get better.  I suggest we all get a mentor and mimic him/her.  When you go fishing you catch more fish if you hire a fishing guide--in golf, we hire a pro to teach us a better swing etc.  Maybe we should have a guide to help us manage our money, a dating coach, a marriage coach and a death coach!  What do you think?  They might help us come around! 

AverageJoe says--I don't know much about life in general but I do know that all folks are not created equal.  Sooooo AverageJoe, what's really important to you anyway? Sometimes we do what we have to do in life.  Even when we don't want to do them.  Even things that we don't want to do!  But we do them 'cause it's the right thing to do at the right time.  Our lives are shown through our family, friends, other relationships (i.e. both social and business) Such is life.  WildWilly says--Everyone wants the good life, but too many people fail to find it because they're looking for it in the wrong places.  Society often promises that you can find the good life by pursuing goals that seem good, such as earning more money, gaining more friends, or becoming more physically attractive.  But those are just empty promises that can't really fulfill you.  Only a relationship with Jesus can give you the good life that God has designed you to crave. Placing your hope in anything less – even if it's something good that God has created
turns into idolatry that interferes with your relationship with Jesus and actually leads you away from the good life that God wants you to enjoy.  Saturday question--What does your life look like anyway?

LuckieEddie says--I'm comin' around now.  Things are going my way!  But MOST times, what you want and what you get are two different things-- We all want to know where we are going. We all want to know what we are aiming for. We all want to know where the end of the line is (i.e. what we are shooting for).  PlumberJoe says--It's like a dog chasing a car, when he catches it what is he going to do with it).  Many times in my life, once I get to where I want to go, I find out that it's not what I expected (i.e. I'm sometimes disappointed).  MissPerfect says--I hope when everything is said and done (i.e. death on this earth), I don't find out that I had my latter leaning against the wrong wall!  Ouchy ouchy!

I heard on TV sooooo it must be right that 1 out 10 folks take medication for depression.  I read in the paper sooooooo it must be right that they might be redefining mental illness.  The new guide might brand as metal disorders some common behaviors, including having temper tantrums three times a week or a lack of sexual arousal...everyday disappointments, sufferings and eccentricities are being redefined as psychiatric disorders and that could lead to medication treatment (i.e. sell more pills to make more money).  Seeeeeee, I always said, we are all mentally ill but just do different degrees.  Such is life.

Life is soooooo interesting, scary, happy, rewarding, amazing, disappointing, unbelievable, changing, exciting, unpredictable, fulfilling, challenging, and soooooo much more.  Lord, facing life today, we turn to You and ask for guidance to direct us to what is important and to cast off the unimportant plans of our lives.  Jack Welch, the former CEO of GE once said--When the rate of change inside an organization (i.e. or life) is slower than the rate of change outside an organization, the end (i.e. of that organization or life) is in sight. 

My golfbuddyJohn and I are volunteering at the Phoenix Open today.  We are working at hole #16.  That is the crazy hole where folks bet which caddie will touch the green first and boo bad shots.  It should be quite an experience.  My golfbuddyJohn is important and has connections (i.e. it isn't what you know but who you know).  Such is life.

The pictures were taken at Homemakers Furniture Store.

LuckieEddie says--Life is confusing at times; I don't know which way to turn. This is not secretive but for some it's highly sensitive--The question is not whether we will die, but how we will live our life!  Saturday question--What does our house look like (i.e. our internal house)?  Isn't there a song that goes something like this--This world is not my home, I'm just a passin' through...!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--It's not so much where you stand as in what direction you are going.

Bonus coverage--About life with Steve Jobs  http://pathwaytopurpose.ca/2012/01/steve-jobs-rules-of-success-and-the-bible/

Really!

We are spending a few bucks with US Airways!  We are in Waukee, IA for a long weekend (i.e. a suburb of Des Moines) getting our fix--A Charlie fix!  What I hear as the most negative thing about wintering in The Valley of the Sun is missing the grand kids--especially the grandmas have a tough time with this.  Really! We think those bucks we are spending are a good investment.  And you know what?  It's only money!  Such is life.

Disclaimer  ~  Despite inflation, a penny is still a fair price for my thoughts.  And you get this "It's Saturday" free sooooo don't expect much (i.e. you get what you pay for).  And as far as I know, I'm absolutely not sure if any of this is correct.  Sooooo there!  Soooooo don't take any of this tooooo serious.  Such is life.

It really was a good time.  Last Saturday Arlene and I spent the afternoon and evening with Dean and Pat Slagter who winter in Casa Grade (i.e. great long time friends with huge massive good hearts--my kind of folks).  They were childhood friends from Roseland, MN.  We played pickle ball for about three hours, went out for dinner, and then to the movie War Horse.  ANYWAY Pat told us she went on a bus trip with 32 other ladies to IA, MO, AR, and KY I think for 10 days last summer.  It was sorta kinda a quilting trip for quilters.  Sooooo how much do you think they spend on quilting stuff on those 10 days (i.e. a total of all 33 gals)?  Make a guess.  Answer later. 

It was like the movies!  It really was.  Arlene and I hiked late Tuesday afternoon and stopped at Frey's Grocery Store a few minutes to pick up a few groceries.  We drove over to Frey's gas station maybe 75 yards from where we parked to get some gas when we were done.  All of a sudden there was rapid shooting --  maybe 15 to 20 shoots with an rapid firing assault weapon and pistols.  It was the police shooting someone very close to were we just were parked.  People were diving on the ground and ducking in their cars.  Ouchy ouchy!  It said in the paper the next day that it was a drug bust and 5 suspects came out firing.  One was killed and two wounded (i.e. they don't say how bad) and one officer was shot in the leg.  Really!

LuckyEddie says--By the time we get old enough to not care what anyone says about us, nobody is saying anything about us anyway.  Really! Holy macaroni!  Yep, society doesn't pay much attention to the wisdom of the seniors except they sure do like our money! Asmartyoungman told me--Money talks loud; it yells!  It' all about the money folks...in everything it seems!  Joesixpack says--Beware of those who tell you how smart you are, how pretty you are, or how good you are.  They're likely to lie about other things as well.  Really!  Maybe they have drunk tooooo much kool aid or more likely, they want something and that something usually is your money folks.  Really?  Yes, really!  Yep, they do what they do!  Really!

MissPerfect, you might misunderstand me.  Lord knows it won't be the first time!  But I will try to make it "perfectly clear"!  When we got to our condo, the previous users or owners supplied the bathrooms with one ply toilet paper.  We are 2 ply toilet paper users.  I tell you what, I made sure I washed my hands very well!  It was a juicy and stinky jolt let me tell ya. Don't act beyond stunned MissPerfect.  No matter how important you think you are, how pretty you are, how pretty you have your nails painted, or how rich you are, you have to whip you butt toooo.  Sooo don't act soooo naive and surprised.  I know you whip your butt! I recently had the opportunity to play golf with a gal who was in our foursome.  She wore stylish white FootJoy golf shoes with a little blue trim; had matching FootJoy blue socks; a relatively tight blue golf capris with sparkles on her butt; a Nike white golf belt with a silver buckle; a little tee under a white golf sweater that have those blue triangles on it; a very nice, expensive gold chock necklace; and a golf sun visor that had a lot of bling on it.  She looked very nice and she was a nice gal.  We were walking down the 14th fairway to our drives.  We came to her ball and she took out her 3-metal with a pink shaft to match her pink bag to hit her Lady's Precept pink ball.  She took her stance, took a swing and as she hit the ball, she farted.  Really!  Hey, she's human.  I told a hiking buddy about this and he said--My wife farts all the time!  Arlene is not a farter. 

LuckieEddie says--Living inside the walls makes a person feel better I guess.  Most of the 55+ communities have walls and gates.  They want to keep the trash out and have security.  They pay big money for this.  I heard a gal say the other day, "We live inside the wall to the right of the gate."  It appears that is like the Wall of Jerusalem.  They told us when we were there that the enemy usually always attacks the gate (i.e. it's the easiest).  The wall says--We're in and you are out.  We are better than you folks.  Really!   I have not seen any African American snowbirds in any of the parks, doing any of the activities I do, or actually anywhere.  Why is that?  Asmartyoungman told me--13.6% of the population is African American.  Maybe that's part of the reason.  What do you think?

Really!  AverageJoe said--My boss phoned me today.  He said, "Is everything okay at the office?"   I said, "Yes, it's all under control. It's been a very busy day, I Haven't stopped."   "Can you do me a favor?" he asked.   I said, "Of course, what is it?"   Speed it up a little, I'm in the foursome behind you."  Really!

I was waiting my turn to play pickle ball the other morning.  Three of us were talking and one said--It was rather cool last night.  The other guy said--My furnace didn't kick in--soooo what do you have your thermostat set at--54 degrees--well no wonder it didn't kick in; doesn't your wife get cold--ya, I had to buy her a half electric blanket!  Really!  Arlene would freeze to death.  Yabut I have a golf buddy who says his wife is always hot!  She turns the heat down all the time.  Arlene would say--Burzzzy burzzzzy!  I'm turning the heat up.  CadillacJack was telling his friend, BenTheBeerHog, that he and his wife had a serious argument the night before about how warm they should keep their house.  Really a whopper!  "But it ended," he said, "when she came crawling to me on her hands and knees."  Really!  "What did she say?" asked the friend.  He replied, "She said, 'Come out from under that bed, you coward!'" Really!  Arguments, disagreements, or fights are not much fun unless you like agitation, discourse, friction (i.e. some folks seem to always seem to like that).  Then there are others that will do anything not to have any trouble what so ever.  I have friends who are both ways.  Most don't like trouble though.  Really!  Saturday question--Repentance does not just mean to feel sorry for what you have done or to express remorse. Biblical repentance means to turn and to change. It means to turn your life around, turning away from sin and back toward God. It means to change your mind about God and yourself, and to change direction, to set your back to things like dishonesty, injustice, or cruelty, and to set your face toward God and the good. Really!  Haveyou/doyou ever repent?  Really!  Repentance can be a real renaissance! Now that is sorta kinda bucking the trend! SusieQ says--Keep the powder dry in your life. Live the life! Really!

You ever go to a funeral and the eulogy is given and you wonder if you are at the funeral for the right guy?  Ya, folks can put a spin on things anyway they want to make a person look.  Judy Wallman, a professional genealogy researcher in southern California , was doing some personal work on her own family tree.. She discovered that Senator Harry Reid's great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889. Both Judy and Harry Reid share this common ancestor. The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows in Montana territory.  On the back of the picture Judy obtained during her research is this inscription: 'Remus Reid, horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889.' So Judy recently e-mailed Senator Harry Reid for information about their great-great uncle. Harry Reid: Believe it or not, Harry Reid's staff sent back the following biographical sketch for her genealogy research: "Remus Reid was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory . His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed." NOW THAT's how it's done, Folks! That's real POLITICAL SPIN !!!

I like real folks.  Yes I do.  One of my golf buddies said to us the other morning--I had spaghetti and meat balls for breakfast.  What!  Ya, I always have left overs from dinner the night before for breakfast.  Really!  He also had me wear this outfit on the last hole the other day.  I think I'm getting closer to a dual citizenship!

ItchieBitchie says--Quite your sulking and focus on tomorrow  Throw those chips away and get your butt off the couch (i.e. do it fast and furious).  That sitting around complaining just hog-ties a person and makes a guy feel pucky! JoeThePlumber says--Quite dilly-dallying around (i.e. procrastinating).  All that gets you is under water.  Really! Making a huge massive blunder will cause havoc to your life.  Sooooooo don't make a huge massive blunder SlowFlow! I read in the paper, sooooo it must be right, that the average credit-card debt is $6,503, average mortgage debt $175,070, and average-loan debt $15,370.  JoeSnort says--Ah-choooooo!  Ya, that can make a guy sneeze alright.  Really!  My Daddy, Chester, taught me--Interest is something you receive, not what you pay out.  You only borrow money on stuff that appreciates, never for anything that depreciates (i.e. you have to pay cash for that stuff--if you don't have cash you don't buy it).  Sooooo here's an opportunity for some of you to get some cash in your pocket.  I read in the paper soooooo it must be right, that when some older folks a.k.a snowbirds die, they have a lot of gold in their teeth.  Sooooo if your parents have gold in their mouth, maybe you better talk to the undertaker and tell him remove the gold with a pliers and give it to ya. Really! A senior friend says--I give my adult kids suggestions.  They listen but don't do what I suggest!!!!!  Such is life.

Answer is about $22,000!  Really!  That's a crazy figure to me a golfer to spend on quilting stuff!!!!!  That's about $660 a gal.  That's just plain crazy to a golfer!!!!  But you know what, it makes Pat happy.  And a happy wife is a happy life!  And don't you forget that Deano!  It's only money!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

Need a boost?  Really!  Here is the "Magic Pill" folks!  It's really something to think about.  Maybe you should get on board!  This is a bang bang little video (i.e. digital) from BigPete.   http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2012/01/11/toronto-viral-video-doctor-health.html

Being situational aware @ all times

Our neighbor fell and broke her pelvis.  I asked her husband a.k.a the ol' I-wegan what happened.  She wasn't being situational aware.  She was filling her car with gas and tripped over the gas hose; Not being situational aware @ all times can be dangerous.  I learned that on ship in the Navy. 

Be situational aware @ all times (i.e. see the big picture and not just the immediate feeling).  SusieQ says--When I saw my first strands of grey hair, I thought I'd die and dye!  LuckieEddie says--When you turn the light on, you get all kinds of bugs!!!!  Such is life.

MyCnuckGolfBuddy plays golf every day back home at daybreak.  Yes, every day.  And by himself.  I said to him--I bet you shoot some good scores!  I keep hitting the shot until I hit a good one.  We keep reminding him when we play that this is "reality golf" and  not "fantasy golf"!   LuckieEddie says--Ya got to live your life in reality (i.e. not like fantasy football).  Here in the Valley of the Sun a.k.a Paradise, it's a good reality a.k.a. it's being situational aware @ all times of inhaling joy and exhaling tension!  I have the life of Riley!

Being situational aware @ all times.  We had the opportunity to attend church with Jim and Gladys Free (i.e. our daughter-in-law's grandparents.  They are our kind of folks (i.e. real folks with huge massive good hearts).  They are snowbirds from IL.  We are very aware how they have influenced our daughter-in-law.  Oh ya!  Bytheway, we ate at my favorite breakfast place, Jean's Itise Bitse.  It's small cafe adjoining a pro shop on Dreamland golf course.  There is a practice putting green just in front of the cafe/pro shop (i.e. we are standing on it).  It's sorta kinda a throw back to the 60s.  This place makes me feel oh soooooo goooood and actually makes me laugh every time I go there.  I realize that it doesn't take much to make me happy!!!!   Such is life. 

Being situational aware @ all times!  When I look at my life in a panoramic view instead of a tunnel vision view, I find that there is a huge massive difference.  MissPerfect says--Never get all steamed up before you know what's cookin'!  I play pickle ball with maybe 50 others and ping pong with maybe 30 folks who are of all different abilities and have different experience levels. I really enjoy playing with them all.  Folks are very nice about rotating soooo everyone plays with everyone (i.e. no cliches or elite groups which can ruin a group very fast).  ANYWAY I really don't care if I win or loose.  ItchieBitchie says--Come on erv, I know you, you care.  No I don't.  In fact many times I really don't know what the score is.  Now if I'm playing in a match that we are all of the same level, ya I can be competitive and remember the score.  A stronger player can dominate play and make it a bad experience for others sooooooo why would some folks what to do that?  WildWillie says--Maybe to show folks that they are better (i.e. egos).  Ya that could be.  Does winning really have much to do with playing in this environment?  It's just like in life, some things aren't that important to get all worked up about.  It really doesn't matter.  I read what Tom Bradey said--Greatness is expected and not often celebrated.  My Daddy, Chester, said to me--erv, if you are good, you don't have to tell people!  Soooooooo my advice/suggestion to you--be situational aware @ all times!  Okay?  CadillacJack says--Yabut if you play for money, then everything changes!  Oh that money will do that folks.  Oh ya!

GeorgeTheCrook says--It all makes sense!  Is the "long economical hangover" over do you think?  Are you bullish on the future?  LuckieEddie says--I'm still very jittery!  The AZ budget gave raises to state employees and increased spending on education.  Maybe it's a mirage.  AverageJoe says--Maybe it's like a friend who I know; She's soooooo pretty and looks soooooo nice but when you get close, she smells like a wet animal!  Ya gotta be situational aware @ all times folks!  Pastor John said Sunday--God wants you joyful and the devil wants you to be miserable; God wants you compassionate and the devil wants you compelling,  Does that make any sense?

Be situational aware @ all times!  Joesixpack says--If you have talent and work hard good things will happen to ya.  If you also have a good heart, even greater things will happen to ya.  Oh ya!  Be involved in philanthropy--Good works makes for good returns. Keep your minds occupied constructively--Folks who do usually have lower blood pressure, healthier hearts and fewer symptoms of depression than non volunteers. Put that in your pipe and smote it. Get moving and you'll feel a lot better (i.e. experience extraordinary full of happiness and hope). DuaneTheWorm (i.e. he causes me to get off the buss at the nearest stop) thinks he as important as he thinks he looks and he doesn't look very good folks (i.e. but he doesn't know it)! Actually what are you doing to make your life better?  Do you have tunnel vision or can you see a panoramic vision view of your life? It's sorta kinda related to my thinkin' of looking and focusing on what I have instead on what I have lost or don't have (i.e. that's a breath of fresh air).  Well, fiddle-dee!  If I look at the tunnel vision view of my life of "whatrottonluck" it sorta kinda bites me in the butt!  MissPerfect says--How you look at your life has a huge massive difference in your attitude--I guarantee it; and that ain't no bull!  Suggestion--Click on the box that says you agree and accept.  You really can't go forward without doing that!  Oh, fiddlesticks, do you think I need to do that?  It's your decision and decisions have consequences.  Such is life.

Being situational aware @ all times!  Sometimes we need to be a maverick a.k.a. someone who is unconventional or goes against the grain.  Actually here in the great SW, a maverick was a cow, steer or calf that wasn't branded and thus pretty much free for the taking if you happened to see it wandering around!  There are soooooo many things happening in our society and culture that doing what is right is almost being a maverick it seems.  But listen folks, there are a lot of great folks (i.e. I have met many down here in the Valley of the Sun--that's no gobbledygook folks).  Let me tell you about some of them:  A neighbor is in her 80s and has lost two husbands.  She said to me--I have had the most wonderful life, just wonderful--sooo what made your life soooo wonderful--many thinks but accepting Jesus as a major thing.  ~  Another neighbor has a physical impairment.  She rides a scooter and her speech is hard to understand.  I asked her the other day how she was doing--Ya got to...I couldn't understand her and told her that.  She spelled it to me c-o-m-p-e-n-s-a-t-e.  Ya have to compensate or she gave me the "throat cutting sign" which means death (i.e. being toe tagged).  ~ There is a guy who walks past our condo quite regularly form Belmond, IA (i.e. about an hour from Aplington) who always stops and visits with me.  He is walking and always smoking a cigarette.  Huh, interesting. ~ A gal who plays pickle ball with us is always happy.  She has the biggest smile and her body language is just always excited about life (i.e. runs on high-octane). I think "Happy" is an appropriate moniker for her! Oh yes!  She's a spark-plug!  ~  A hiker we met on the trail gave us information as he said he knows all the trails and even works on the trails as a volunteer.  Wow, you must be a good person. My friends tell me that I'm toooooooo nice.  Tooo nice, what does that mean.  They say people take advantage of me.  Soooo what are you going to do about it?  Keep being nice.  ~  We met a couple of other hikers (i.e. man and woman in their 60s who had six-shooters on their hips which is legal in AZ).  Sooooo are those six-shooters for looks or do you really shoot those suckers?  Oh we shoot them; we are part of "cowboyfastshooters".  Sooooo how fast are ya--the guy said he could draw and hit his target in .3 seconds and the gal said in .5 seconds.  Man, I would probably shoot my toes off.  Oh we use wax ammo and it's all done by computers.  

~  A gal at ping pong told me that she spent her whole summer re-doing her house.  Are you good at it--I sure am!  I watch every show on TV.  I really like it. ~  I asked a fellow pickle ball player where he was from--Oregon but did some time in Maryland.  My wife said she is looking out for me by moving us here in the Valley.  I told her that I can't stand 110 degree heat.  She said--I'm just getting you use to the heat sooooo when you die you will be prepared!  Ouchy ouchy!  ~  I was waiting my turn to play pickle ball the other day.  I was sitting next to a guy who was wearing a gold cross around his neck.  Soooo are you a Christian--Sorta but I'm not a practicing Christian; I was born a Catholic.  ~  I played pickle ball with a new player the other day.  When we got done, we were sitting on a bench and his cell rang.  He told me it was about his medication that he is not going to take any more.  It almost killed him Sunday.  It lowered mys blood pressure to such a low level that it was life threading.  It happened at church and if a nurse wasn't there, I probably would have died.  Sooooo did you loose consciousness?  Ya, I think I saw heaven.  It was sooooo pretty and I was soooooo peaceful.  I was alright with it.  You are blessed to be a blessing.  I have been blessed many times in my life.  I once had an accident with a chain saw and had over 500 stitches in my arm and face.  I really have had a good life.  I'm sooooooo happy.  He shuck my hand a couple of times and said--I sure hope we can play together again.

Are you being situational aware @ all times?  GeorgeTheCrook says--Big heavy folks are good when you are the NFL quarterback and need protection on the pass plays, but you don't see toooooo many of them hiking, playing pickle ball, playing ping pong, running, biking etc here in the valley.  Most of them are talking and eating (i.e. that's complete mayhem)!  SusieQ says--Tebow's prayers might work but...when you have big, huge massive good players protecting you, that helps toooooo!  Well the Broncos did get beat.  Yes they did.  Woddy Hayes once said--There's nothing that cleanses the soul like getting the hell kicked out of ya!  Lou Holtz once said--The man who complains about how the way the ball bounces is likely to be the one who dropped it.  Such is life.

There are a lot of physical activities for us seniors here in the Valley to do. A lot of seniors do a lot of stuff let me tell ya. Some are extremely active and then it changes 'cause of reasons like health, age, size, attitude, desire, etc. When you sorta kinda get toward the bottom of the activity chain, it's down to shuffle board, then eating and talking, and then just sleeping in the sun. That's the bottom of the totem pole. That ol' fart must be at the bottom!!!!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Great opportunities often disguise themselves in small tasks.

Being situational aware @ all times!  Bonus Coverage--Watch this motivational video and make sure you listen to the last line.  Okay?  http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=aw-nt0eTb2w

let's talk about you

I was returning from my quite often 12 minute soak in the hot tub.  I walked past a string of condos.  MN Don was on a patio of our neighbor having happy hour with some folks.  He said to me--Getting in a hot tub is much like marriage.  After you get in it, it's not as hot as it was at first!

ItchieBitchie says--Let's talk about you; you seem to worry about everything.  I know you do 'cause I can tell.  Soooooo can worry stem from childhood. When children experience parent/child reversal roles due to such things as illness, unemployment and addictions worry becomes an early life pattern.  Soooooo were you taught to be a worrier?  LuckieEddie says--People who worry often believe that their anxiety somehow helps them to avoid bad things. They believe it prevents problems, helps them prepare for the worst or gives them a way to control circumstances.  GeorgeTheCrook says--I worry 'cause I hate uncertainty but rather seek guaranteed outcomes.  Soooooooo MollyWorryWart, you are a pain in the butt to be around.  Worry just plain limits ourselves for many reasons and in many ways. 

Let's talk about you.  Folks that worry all the time are about as messy as folks who are always negative (i.e. and negative folks are constant complainers).  Sooooo SusieQ, why are you negative all the time.  Nutten ever seems right for you and you never seem happy (i.e. everything in your life seems to be a problem which makes your life just one big problem).  Ouchy ouchy! You are a pain in the butt to be around.  You never seem to have a good time.  You are always worrying about something instead of just enjoying life.  Do you know that?  You have a very limiting life.  A good hearted young man (i.e. a real guy) told me his favorite Bible verse.  It is underlined in my Bible with his hand written note beside it--Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.  WildWillie says--That's a lot harder to do than to say.

Let's talk about you!  Joesixpack says--Sooooooo I got some money in my pocket (i.e. I'm a FatCat).  What should I do?  Should I spend the money!...Or save it...don't spend a dime and put it in a "hurricane lock box"!  What should I do?  What's the right track to be on.  Should I spend some and save some?  Should I be a spendthrift and let my kids get it?  That is a decision you will have to make Joesixpack.  Most folks don't seem to have a plan (i.e. they just stumble along).  The church we have been attending is pushing Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.  They want 80% of their folks to go through this program.  They say--We know that most of you are sound financially set (i.e. most of the maybe 1,5000 attenders are older folks) but if you can even do better, look how much more money you can give away.  This church is known as a giving church.  Soooooo I think it's interesting to have a plan.  Most folks don't have an grand scheme or grand plan (i.e. it just happens--good or bad).  But here's the deal--If you can manage your money, it makes your life soooooooo much more enjoyable, why not do it.  MissPerfect says--I don't want to know how much I spend on clothes!  Now that could be a problem (i.e. not facing reality).  I recently had a guy stop and talk to me.  He is moving to AZ from MN.  He said he really doesn't have enough money saved up and is really wondering how it is all going to work out.  Why he told me this I don't have a clue (i.e. maybe he wanted some advice--I don't know--Or maybe he needed to tell someone and he knows he will never see me again).  ANYWAY that's not a goooood spot to be in!  I was riding my bike the other day and saw a garage sale sign pointing in a rather affluent neighborhood.  This guy was maybe upper 50s.  He was selling his stuff he said as he lost his job of 37 years.  He has to sale his house as he can't afford it.  I wish I would have saved more but I didn't.  I never thought I would lose my job.  Ouchy ouchy!  Flipthepancake--An ol' buddy of mine came back from upnorth (i.e. he's a retired farmer).  I said--How much did your net worth go up this year (i.e. as he owns ground)--didn't got up; have all our ground in life estate; what do I need for any more money at my age!

It's good to ask questions.  You got that right!  My Daddy, Chester, said--erv, asking questions is best way to learn and it's inexpensive.  Soooooo ask questions.  A surgeon examined a new patient most carefully. After studying the x-rays, he turned to the man and said, "Could you pay for an operation if I told you it was necessary?" The patient thought for a moment, then said to the doctor:  "Would you find one necessary if I told you I couldn't pay for it?"

Lets talk about you! Okay here are a few thoughts, facts, and ideas about folks I have been around in the last little while on the golf courses:  Golfed in a foursome that 2 of the guys had suction cubs on their putters soooooo they didn't have to bend over to get the ball out of the hole.  --  Golfed with an authentic Ollie.  Yep that was his name and he said "ya" a lot toooo yet! -- Golfing with a guy the other day whose ball was a little off the green.  I said to him, cuddle her up close.  He said to me, I haven't cuddled for a long time! -- Golfed with a guy who smoked 3 huge massive cigars during the round.  I think his cigars cost more than his green fees! -- On the 14th tee box a guy told us that he bought his wife a new car for Christmas (i.e. just like on TV).  She didn't like and took it back; I give up! -- I asked another guy who is from MN if he fishes=Ya I do, I participate in Helping Seniors Fish=you must be a good person=I have my days and others aren't sooooo goood -- I golfed with a guy who had his ankle shattered in Korea.  He is in his 80s and plays a good game. He is a very nice guy with a great attitude (i.e. my kind of guy) -- Okay, I golf  on Wednesdays with three guys who are unique, (i.e. good unique) but they call me strange soooo we're even.  One guy is The CnuckFromThurnderBay who wears suspenders (i.e. I have never golfed with a guy who wore suspenders before).  I asked him how come he does that=cause I don't have a waist and if I don't wear suspenders my pants fall off (i.e. I hope he keeps wearing those suspenders).  GovernmentKenFromMN hasn't won our putting contest in over 20 times he says.  Half way around the round he puts his dollars over his ear under his cap.  When we win it, it is wet from sweat and stinks.  Now that is different but we really like him to play the putting game with us (i.e. Mr.Easy)!!!   He won this last week sooooo he's now 1 for 28 or so!  EngineerFromDubuque a.k.a TheMississippiRiverRat is the only guy who has a battery operated electiric motorize push cart here in the Valley of the Sun that I know about.  That's different.  Ok ok, I'm different too=I'm the only one who carries his clubs and has a belly putter.  We are all different I guess in some way.  Sooooo when we get done with our round Wednesday, these different guys get this stuff out of their bags and put it on me (i.e. official Canadian golf wardrobe)=they give me a hard time 'cause I don't like playing in the cold.  --  I was doing my nearly every day late afternoon 15 minutes of chipping and putting when this guy comes from the driving range carrying his clubs on one shoulder and a portable oxygen tank on the other and says--Aren't you erv mellema the biker, golfer and hiker=Ya I do some of that stuff; who are you=I hiked with you a couple of years ago=oh ya, I remember you, you were recovering from a stroke and was starting hiking again=ya that was a tough time for me; this summer was tough for me too; I developed 3 kinds of arthritis and developed Asama; it was touch and go for a while but I started feeling better late in the summer finally soooo we came to the Valley again; I have started walking and hope to do some easier hiking this winter; I do play golf twice a week now=you have such a great attitude=wasn't always that way; when I was 44 I weighed 210 (i.e. 35 pounds over my normal weight) and smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day; one morning I said that's enough; I went on a diet, quite smoking, started exercising and in 6 months ran my first marathon; it was brutal! -- Played golf with a pickle ball buddy.  He told me that he has a condo in Mesa and one in Canada of about same quality but the one in Canada cost 5 times as much.  --  The other two guys in our foursome were first year physics students working on their doctorate degrees from Ohio and Indiana at ASU.  The get paid a $14,000 stipend.  They are professors of on-line courses.  The one physicist told us that he has 350 first year physic students in engineering.  --  Played with a guy from Idaho.  Aren't there a lot of independent folks in Idaho=ya there are and I'm one of those mavericks; I'm a real red neck maverick; I don't like authority!

I read it in the paper sooooo it must be right.  Steve Nash says he has a lot of motivation left.  Asked what motivates him, he deadpanned, "Money."  I'm sorta kinda a Suns fan. I watch some of the games on TV, read the paper about them and we go to a few games.  It's fun.  I even going to buy a Suns cap I think (i.e. if I can get a cheap one).  I can't find one cheap as of yet!  I have limits folks.  I'm not loaded like some of you.  Also I have noticed that there are a lot of loaded folks (i.e. talking about some of you) who winter in the Valley but are very good money managers.  Maybe that's why they are here in Sun Valley for the winter.  Such is life.

Talking about you!  When we were riding back from the Suns game on the light-rail, I was standing next to a young man (i.e a college kid).  He started talking to me about the Suns.  He was a huge fan of the Magic and also Oakland Raiders.  Sooooo you don't like the Broncos very much--no I don't--are you a Tebow fan--I like what he believes in and how he gets things done but I can't root for him as Oakland fans are not fans of the Broncos--Soooo he says to me, you like Tebow--We are Christians sooooo we believe like he does--I think he does a lot of good stuff for a lot of folks and he seems to be a winner; he maybe goes a little over the top on the Jesus thing for me but I like and believe in what he stands for--It's good to be a good person and do what is right--Ya it is and I try!  He was telling me that half of the Denver coaching staff likes Tebow and half don't nor does John Elway.  But, he has made them a ton of money (i.e. #1 selling jersey in the NFL).  Sooooo what are they going to do him for next year.  Houston, we have a problem!  His station then came.  He shuck my hand and and said--Do good and existed.  That was a breath of fresh air.

Let's talk about you Jesus.  I'm gong to get on soap box here folks.  If you don't like what Tebow is about you probably won't like this but try me.  Jesus defiantly is not a wet wash rag, a mugrummper (i.e. sitting on the fence with his rump on one side and his mug on the other), not a politically correct guy like DuaneTheWorm, but He is my Rock.  He's forgiving, loving, gracious, understands me, is loyal, merciful, faithful; even though at times I don't understand Him.  He gives me confidence maybe just like Tebow does to his teammates 'cause of Jesus in his life (i.e. and that ain't no pious baloney folks).  Jesus has a certain presence about Him!  Some of you think believing in Jesus is for the weak and powerless.  Some of you think believing in Jesus is sorta kinda a lot like belly fat!  You are way wrong on that folks.  You think money is power and you have a lot of money.  Your are wrong folks.  Jesus doesn't have favorites and what he stands for is not determined by who pays him to think and act a certain way.  Oh no!  Try Him, you might be surprised how good He makes you feel.  Trying won't hurt ya.  Or are you afraid of making a commitment of some kind (i.e. might hurt your image--now that's being weak--are you another DuaneTheWorm).  Give Him a try.  ItchieBitchie says--oh, holy mackerel, that Jesus talk makes me nervous!

Talking about you.  I was sitting in the sun the other day when our neighbor a.k.a. the ol' Iowa-wegin came over to talk.  I said--How's it going?  He said--I'm trying; my wife says I'm really trying at times! 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Patience and diligence, like faith, remove mountains.

Change in 2012

Many people believe that after 1,872,000 days--or more than 5,000 years--the Mayan calendar will run out on Dec. 21, 2012 and the world will come to a fiery end (i.e. now that would be a big change--maybe you don't have to worry about weight reduction in 2012 after all). ItchieBitchie says--We're confident that the Mayans real-estate agent already has sent out a new calendar and that it will arrive in plenty of time to put another 5,000 years on the refrigerator!

I finished reading the NT.  Revelations is difficult for me.  To me it's a complex, enigmatic letter from a pastor named John filled with scenes of scrolls and robes and angels and plagues and trumpets and horses and dragons and beasts and bowl and prostitutes and horses.  I don't understand the divine commands to commit genocide found in the OT either.  Maybe I'm not very smart--that could be. ANYWAY death on this earth will be a pretty major change I would think.  What do you think?

AverageJoe says--I can't make my wife change if she doesn't want too.  I have tried many times with no success.  She just doesn't want to change and is just plain not receptive to thinkin' about it.  We've never done it that way before.  Ya can't teach old dogs new tricks!  You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink!  Ya, change is hard for many folks unless there is money involved; then they can change.  Oh ya!  JoeSomebody says--Now that the Christmas season (i.e. a time of joy and peace for some and a time that makes others cranky) is over, I will change back to my ol' self!  It's a good thing that Christmas is only once a year!  Some people will do things the same no matter what--they are much like the Coriolis Force--water always swirls one way in the Northern Hemisphere and the other way in the Southern Hemisphere.  It doesn't change.  Saturday question--Do cowlicks always swirl the same way? 

PositiveRon says--Life changes with opportunities.  We always talk about change with a new year now don't we.  Many times nutten really changes.  It's all talk and show (i.e. just blowing smoke).  I read this little fun article about change in the Denver Post while celebrating Christmas in CO--Eavesdropping was the headline.  Eavesdropping on two women attending a performance at the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins after the building's renovation.  "The new bathrooms and lobbies are nice, but I don't know why they had to replace the theater seating with these smaller seats. (They) are way too tight, and I barely fit."  "Actually, these are the same seats they had before."  Soooooooo maybe the gals have changed over the holidays.  Ouchy ouchy!  I think the change was they ate toooooooo much during the holidays and...!  That's what I think.  Such is life.

Here is something else I read in the same paper--Headline article: Shows struggle to go on. The Western Stock Show and Rodeo has to change to exist in the future. They are looking at 5 options. #1 is Having the stock show stay put and do nothing which according to the report would force National Western into bankruptcy within seven years. The other part of the article says--To have a future, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra has decided it must relinquish some of its past to have a future.

LuckieEddie says--Ratchet up your life with a change.  Put off the old and put on the new (make a radical change that folks can see the difference). Change might make your body hurt and/or you brain hurt!  Maybe a simple inexpensive treatment might help.  And maybe the adjustment doesn't have to hurt.  Here are two places here in the Valley of the Sun that might just make that adjustment for a guy.  It's just an idea!  TimTheGadgetMan says--Get a gadget and it will fix most anything.  I love those gadgets a.k.a. toys.  They are good for my ego!  They make me feel important.  SusieQ says--Gadget folks like change it seems as they are always changing and the market makers know this and are always coming out with a new gadget (i.e. $$$$$$).  What is really interesting to me is a person who will be on the razors edge with technology when making money but won't change dealing with other issues (i.e. stay sooooo traditional).  That really puzzles me.  Maybe it's the $$$$$$$ that affect folks.  You think soooooo!  Such is life. 

Joesixpack says some folks are change makers; they seem to have that sense.  It's just like some folks know when to act and when not to act--when to talk and when to be silent--when to be aggressive and when to be passive--when to move and when to stand still--when to react and when not to react.  Why do some folks have this sense and others don't.  I don't know Joesixpack but I agree.  Some folks can get changes done and others can't.  Such is life.

KingOfTheCityBob says--It doesn't take Scotland yard to figure ourselves out now does it but for many it's hard to see the forest through the trees.  How do you act do you think?  ItchieBitchie says--It's really hard to evaluate yourself.  You might be different than you think.  Now that could be.  I once asked  a couple of my friends if they would evaluate me.  They didn't do it.  Maybe they thought I would be offended and wouldn't do business with them (i.e. lose $$$$$).  Or maybe I had soooooo maybe defects that they just didn't want to go there.  Yabut if you don't know if you have defects, how can you correct them.  I'm a big believer in evaluations in business.  It can really help folks especially if they don't know they are weak (i.e. usually folks know their weaknesses and strengths).  Okay, I know folks who seem to argue a lot, don't say nice things to each other, and are very negative about others. And I know others who are just the opposite.  Do you think they know they act that way?  Can they change?  If you are a parent of a small child, they are probably going to act the same way you treat others or them (i.e. young kids copy somebody and most often it is their parents--we all are programed by someone or something).  MissPerfect says--Every body's history has an impact on 'em!  Maybe that is the reason why some folks seem to have it all together and others seem to be chronically a mess (i.e. problematic).  Such is life. . 

My Daddy, Chester, would say to me--erv, the best discipline is self-discipline.  GeorgeTheCrook asks--Have your ever had a life changing event or know someone who has (e.g. a heart attack).  They change their habits like eating differently and exercising.  They do it for maybe 6 months and then they are back to the Big Macks super sized.  Soooooo maybe it wasn't really a life changing event! MissPerfect says--If you take action you can change; without action you probably won't change; it's reality.  One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.  He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. "One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.  "The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."  The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"  The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one we feed the most."

SusieQ says--I'm in a rut, in a rut wearing grooves in a familiar path that is easier and easier to take.  SusieQ, you need a new life a.k.a a change of heart!  CadillacJack says--Why do ya think suddenly someone wakes up one day and decides to head in the completely opposite direction?  I wonder if it's a God thing.  I don't doubt God's ability to do anything. 

Joesixpack says--Catching on can lead to change maybe--This video is about change.  It was used during Christmas morning service at the The Rock of the SW in Littleton, CO which we had the opportunity to attend with James, Heather, Erin and Easton.  It's about 1.5 minutes but it's sorta kinda funny but has a point.  http://www.sermonspice.com/product/36960/skit-guys-christmas-connection

The fear of failure is main motivational piece for most folks.  Sooooooo instead of failing, most folks won't even try anything 'cause they fear they will fail. Instead they just sit on the couch and eat chips .  They know they can be a success at that.  I have heard this statement during the Christmas time--If you don't behave, Santa won't bring you any presents.  Ya right!  The fear of failure!!!  If you don't be good you're going to hell!  What!!!  I just read the Love Wins by Rob Bell (i.e. it's controversial book as he thinks everyone will have many opportunities to accept Jesus even after death--most will eventually get into heaven).  He thinks that after "you are laid to rest" a.k.a. die, you will will have the opportunity to see the Light--Heaven will not just be for a few elite.  It was a good read for me.  Maybe I'm open minded or maybe I'm just gullible but it was very stimulating to me.  My response is--His understanding I cannot fathom--God is God and thats just the way it is.  Such is life.

Covet! It's a great motivator too!  DuaneTheWorm says--I don't covet. If someone has something that I want, I just go and buy it.  Covet is not a thing, not a one time event, but it's an attitude.  And if you  have it, you are a mess.  SusieQ says--If you have that attitude, I would suggest you get rid of it (i.e. change).  It will, I repeat, make you a constant unhappy person.  Don't think of stuff you don't have but think of the little things you really enjoy.  If your life is about stuff, you will never have enough or the latest stuff or the best stuff and you will really never be truly happy.  It takes a strong person to manage this attitude as the world keeps seducing us.  Some can and others can not.  Saturday question--What do you really like to do?  I mean something you do that you just loose track of time (i.e. something I could do forever)?  If you don't have such a thing, I feel sorry for you. 


Soooooo what is ervie going to change in 2012?  It's really not a change but something I'm going to do more of.  I'm going to live one day at a time.  And live it the best I can.  I asked for advice from someone who I admire and this was his suggestion.  I also have been told this by others and have read this advice by others who I don't know (pastor John said it Sunday too).  Sooooo that is what I'm going to try to get better at.  Try to make my life and other folks' life more enjoyable and useful.  Sooooooo folks--Wherever you go, there you are.  Maximize every minute of every day to the fullest.  Throw those chips away and get your butt off the couch and do something for someone else or even yourself.  Must admit--This is how the table in front of me looked while I watched the Rose Bowl sittin' on the couch!!!! Ouchy ouchy!!!!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--A simple life in the fear of God is better than a rich life with a ton of headaches.