drama

This “It’s Saturday” could be a “jump cut move” which could fake a person out of their pants.  Could be and maybe not.  You get to decide.  JoeBlow says—What is a “jump cut move?”

I recently had a conversation with a person that was very interesting.  He asked me questions and then I would “flipthepancake” and ask him questions.  It was like both of us wanted the other person to tell their story and didn’t want to talk about ourselves.  ItchieBitchie says—Usually when a person talks like 90% about themselves, you sorta kinda know what kind of person they are.  Sooooo our conversation was sorta kinda like a pin ball game with drama.  Quite interesting.  This guy is a good guy; a real person with a good heart; my kind of person.

GeorgeTheCrook says--Fakers can create a lot of drama; I have been faked out a few times by a few slimy swamp critters.  If you know folks to some degree and realize they are fakers, they are really funny (i.e. they just make me laugh a.k.a. cheap entertainment).  SassySass says—Some fakers have been faking for soooo long, they don’t even know they are faking it; it’s just part of their persona.  Flipthepancake—Real folks are just the opposite: they make me smile (i.e. cheap entertainment). I enjoy them both but in different ways.  LuckieEddie says emphatically--Remember folks, a fruit cake in July is still a fruitcake!

 I must admit that there are times when I don’t have my whole heart in it.  When that happens, I go at a slower speed (i.e. not 100%). At certain times I’m not as interested or decide not to put my best effort forward.  There are a lot reasons for that (e.g. if I don’t care if I win or lose).  I think at times it’s good to shut my mouth and sit in the back and just be there sometimes.  I think that is ok.  What do you think?    In fact, I find it quite enjoyable to not to try to be the best or compete at 100%.  It’s refreshing.  A lot less drama for sure.  It’s fun to watch others and listen to others (i.e. even when I think they are wrong).  Abraham Lincoln said—Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt. WorldClassLarry says—You don’t learn much listening to yourself talk; you already heard that opinion!

DramaQueenConnie says--Have you ever heard a wife micro managing her husband?  I mean, waaaay toooo much control.  MissPerfect says—No I haven’t but I’m seen husbands who micro manage their wives!  Of course, MissPerfect, I should have known!  ha ha!   In some cases that micro management of a spouse works ok and other times it produces drama.  And when both spouses micro manage, well, it can cause real drama.  I was getting some napkins from a local gift shop full of  trinkets (i.e. to a man they all look alike and smell alike).  When I walked in, a friend and I greeted each other.  I got the napkins and was walking out when she said—You are just like my husband, he goes in and buys what he wants and leaves.  He can’t understand how I can look at everything, touch everything and then leave and not buy anything!  Well, I think Harold and I both understand that we don’t understand women!  We both understand that!  AverageJoe says--That’s not completely true but that’s the feel.  I read recently—Seek to understand others first before trying to make others understand you.  Wooow, I think that is pretty good.  It appears that many folks want others to understand their opinions before trying to understand others’ opinions first.  CrazyMarivin says—erv, some of others’ opinions are really hard to understand; they just are really different!

My sisters and their husbands from MI visited us for couple of days.  We reminisced about life growing up on the farm a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN alright (i.e. nostalgic).  Growing up, there was a lot of drama for me being sandwiched in the middle of two sisters. ha ha!  We really did laugh a lot (i.e. with each other and at each other).  We heard a lot of opinions alright. My favorite was when we were discussing Paul.  One of my sisters said she believes the Bible but doesn’t believe Paul’s opinion about women! I don’t know if she watches Fox News or CNN!  ha ha   She said—What does he know; he was never married! I have no idea if my sister was serious or just pullin’ my chain (i.e. my sisters have manipulated me forever ha ha )! It appears that maybe most churches don’t believe everything what Paul wrote but they believe some of the stuff that they like. While eating white mystery chili and eating blueberry pie, I learned something that I didn’t know; it was about Nephilm. Do you know about them? What do you think of them? A brother-in-law said—It doesn’t matter to me about them Nephilm, you just got to believe; believe like a child. Like I said—There were a lot of opinions! It was like reading the Opinion section of the newspaper!  That’s not either good or bad; it is what it is.  BUT folks, nutten has really changed for me, I’m still sandwiched in the middle—still a lot of drama!  What a good time we had;; a hoot!

They call it the "great compromise!" When husbands and wives have drama in their relationship, they need to find a way to resolve it or it will be hard on their marriage.  Oh ya!  Our neighbors solved some drama in their relationship.  They were going to shingle their utility shed.  She wanted pewter gray shingles and he wanted mission brown shingles.  Soooo they have pewter gray on the west side and mission brown on the east side.  Bingo!  Everyone is happy. 

She’s a drama reducer alright.  Yes she is.  I went for a run late Sunday afternoon; it was just beautiful with the sun going down, 40 degrees and no wind.  ANYWAY, when I was coming home a neighbor lady was getting the paper from her mail box and we visited.  She is a super senior lady (i.e. super in age and super nice).  When I was leaving she said—Go and do something great erv!  Sooooo what do you do that is great—I go to the care facility and talk to the residents there; they like that—do you still do a Bible study with the residents—yes, but I have criteria—what is it—they must be over 90, can’t hear very well and can’t see very well.  Now folks, that is doing something great (i.e. my opinion). 

Saturday question—Do we create drama in our lives intentionally because we like it?  CadillacJack says—Probably not but after thinking about it, maybe we do.  Some folks really like drama. They are soooo use to it and that it is their default.  They really don’t want to correct it.  TomTerrific says—Really folks, much drama could be eliminated before it even starts; I think some folks like drama.  Now that could be TomTerrific; that could be.  I’m rereading Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis (i.e. I would guess some of you have read it).  I think the first time I read it was about 40 years ago. Mr. Lewis says—But progress means getting nearer to the place where you want to be.  And if you have taken a wrong turn, then to go forward does not get you any nearer.  If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man. LuckieEddie says—Ya gotta to know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em!  JuliaWise says—The question that changed my life:  What can you do today that you were not capable of a year ago?

RealExcitableEunice says--I’ve seen it all now! Folks look at reviews to determine if they buy a product or use a person for a service.  How much faith can we put in those reviews anyway?  Anonymous posts can be manipulated by someone bearing a grudge and glowing reports can be planted by the beholder themselves.  Soooo who do you believe.  Maybe it’s much like when you folks read those romantic novels, you just skip and hurry through the drama to get to the steamy parts; the parts you really read them for anyway.  ExcitableTeri says--Admit it folks!  You just want to read what you want to read.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--Rare is the person who, like David, has a faithful friend like Jonathan. We often say to others, “If you need anything, let me know. Whatever you need.” We’re sincere, of course—we do want to be helpful to our friends. But words like anything and whatever are all inclusive. They may represent a level of commitment we aren’t ready to make.  ~  Boy, I have been guilty of saying that.  We have been on the receiving end of acts of friendship. It is interesting what folks say and do.  I know one thing for sure—true friendship is wonderful. A friend sent us a card and wrote this in it—"This is my prayer. May God give you whatever you need for each day—peace, encouragement, rest, patience, insight, wisdom, discernment to name a few.”  Now that could quiet the drama.  The sign in the pic was made and given to us by one of our brother-in-laws.  Pretty appropriate I think.  What do you think?

CoachBronner says--In the book Life Falls, it says Elbert Einstein was known widely all over the world (i.e. because of his brain and his hairdo).  Elbert said--It is a strange thing to be widely know all over the world and yet be lonely. CoachBronner said--That is many times because they don't have close friends.  He went on to say--A close friend is more valuable that a fortune; cherish close friends.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere with out moving anything but your heart.

P.S.  If you retired tomorrow, what would your new [business] card say? 

me tooooooo

I would like toooo give a shout-out toooo all of you who are my friends and acquaintances and other readers (i.e. you of all generations). You all have been part of my life and taught me stuff (i.e. things I will mimic and things I want no part of. ha ha).

A44yearoldonesmartguy told me this about the spiritual condition of much of his generation and society—"We have a lot of baggage (my generation).  Google is godlike  (technology is king), science/medicine is godlike, our basic needs and most of our wants are paid for by our jobs (which we attribute to our skills, education, etc.)  We get our satisfaction from our job performance rather than from enjoying relationship with God (or others, even).”  Is that wisdom?  WorldClassLarry says--I think sooo.  Me toooooo!  ‘

I was talking to a 41yearoldsmart guy this week and he was telling me about his kids seeing all those ads on TV that kids ask questions about (i.e. and there are a lot of them).  He told me when he watches golf, there are a lot of ads about erectile dysfunction and prostate cancer.  That tells him that many older guys watch golf and the companies are targeting a certain audience.  He said, the programs he watches, doesn’t soooo much have those type of ads.  It’s all about the money!!!!!!

JoeMillennial (i.e. who just waited in line for 2 hours to buy the new iPhone 8 for  a thousand dollars) says—If the internet has become some sort of Holy Scripture for us millennials, then Instagram and Pinterest are definitely our psalms and proverbs.  And like so many other religions, we have our favorite verses. 

Arlene and I were having dinner at a local restaurant.  Two older gentlemen (i.e. in their 80s and 90s) came and talked to us.  I said—It’s about cold enough to put on the long johns. Both said—I got them on!  I doubt if toooooo many 40ish folks have long underwear on.  Some are still wearing shorts!  GreatGrandPaMike says--It seems to me that age does change folks.  Me toooooooo!

A babyboomerfriend, says--The way the abortion laws are written most Americans believe it is “right” to kill a baby human in the womb just about any time the mother decides, and yet let someone accidentally kill a litter of kittens in the womb of a cat and it could make Cable news, maybe spark protests...Maybe what some think is right is wrong!

LuckieEddie’s son LuckieEddie Jr who is 43 says--You haven’t learned something until you’ve done it; there is a difference between knowing and learning. I can read about it or even watch it on YouTube but I really don’t know it until I do it.  AverageJoe says--In my case, many times I have to do it several times before I really know how to do it. And then I question if I really know how to do it.  MissPerfect says—The older generation says we have done it many times!  We know how to do it.  The younger generation says—We have read it in the book but we really don’t know how to do it. But we need to act like we do.  Such is life.

Reverend Billy Graham tells of a time early in his ministry where he arrived in a small town to preach a sermon.  Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was.  When the boy had told him, Dr. Graham thanked him and said, “If you’ll come to the Baptist Church this evening you can hear me telling everyone how to get to Heaven.”  “I don’t think I will be there,” the boy said. “You don’t even know your way to the post office.

CadillacJack says—We should not be deceived in our presumption of ourselves.  Wise people remain humble. Humility and reachability go together. Be humble or you’ll stumble. Humility says you can learn from anyone. You don’t know it all. No one does. That’s why we need to remain teachable, humble, lifelong learners. BlackandBlueFacedJanice says--I seem to stumble a lot.  Sooooo obviously I am not there yet. ~  I know several friends and acquaintances who have stumbled recently, and face planted (i.e. ouchy ouchy).  Cockiness can do that to a person.  Think they are in their 40s yet NOT! Me toooo! MyBuddyJr is one of those stumblers and said--It's the shits to get old, and can't lift your feet. One of my pickleball partners this week was a charming 60+ gal.  I made a lucky shot and she said--Nice shit; I mean nice shot!  Maybe she was thinking, nice shot shithead!  I will never know for sure. ha ha What a hoot!

43yearoldJonnyBlake says—Generational change is an unstoppable force! If you don’t believe me, ask your great grandpa or your grandma!  They will tell you the world is different than when they grew up (i.e. and many will say—And I don’t like it).  Saturday question—Soooo why is that soooooo hard for each generation to understand? BUT it seems that it is hard for each older generation to understand the younger generations (i.e. but Larry ain’t scared) That is why older folks (i.e. with a lot of money and time) go South for the winter and live in 55+ gated communities (i.e. senior Disney Worlds) where the younger generations aren’t allowed.  OldSnowbirdJudy says--Now that is a way for us to do it the way we want toooooo do it (i.e. get our way).

Maybe, just maybe, it's like the Beetles sang--They're rocking horse people eating marshmallow pies! I would guess folks from all generations have heard that lyric.  I read in the paper sooooooo it must be right—America needs to do what it preaches.  Ouchy ouchy!  I think maybe they are talking about our government, Americans as individuals, our churches, our companies, our schools etc.  What do you think?  Talk is cheap, but it takes money to buy whiskey!  Seriously folks, how can we stop the opioid problem.  There is big money in opioids!  Don’t kid yourself. ItchieBitchie says—Our culture doesn’t seem to want or allow us to do what we maybe know is right; it seems like it’s impossible.  We talk a lot but really don’t change much.  Maybe our society really doesn’t want to change; could be. Maybe the younger generations really likes those drugs.  Sooooo how are we going to change something if the folks really don’t want to change?  We seem to say the same things over and over and over (i.e. a lot of chatter) but nothing really changes.

Me tooooooo Ricky! Even if you don’t believe in God, this might be good stuff for your life.  Ricky says--To be all that God calls you to be, you need to learn from at least four different kinds of people.

1. Mentors – These are your coaches. I’ve had nine different mentors in my life. No one can teach you everything you need to know. One person will teach you in one area. Another person will teach you about something else.
2. Role models – These are people who are already doing or have already done what you want to do. Many of the skills you’ve learned in your life, you’ve learned by watching others.
3. Partners – You need co-workers and colleagues who are in your profession, people to support and challenge you on what God wants to do through your life.
4. Friends – Friends don’t necessarily help you with your goals. They’re just friends. They love you no matter what you do. You can mess up, and they still love you. A friend walks into your life when everyone else walks out. That’s when you know who your friends are. 

GeorgeTheCrook (i.e. he's the guy who wonders how he got here) says—Maybe just maybe some of us need a do-over a.k.a. re-make a.k.a. pull the old switcheroo.  ConfusedBill (i.e. age 27) says--I spend time “wandering” soooo to speak. Not soooo much time in the world but in my head. SweetJane (i.e. a baby boomerr) says—I think we spend a lot of our lives waiting for that day when we ride off into the sunset.  But we’re rarely prepared for when this sun comes up the next day. You can say to yourself all you want that, “Not all who wander are lost,” but let’s be honest, most of us who wander are definitely lost.  40ishTodd says—That is pathetic thinking; I’m the king of world (i.e. he’s the same guy who walks around the house in his whitie tightie underwear)! I wonder what my deceased friend, BenGenius (i.e. he was very progressive in his life), would think about what all the younger generations are up tooooo? I wonder!

The other Warren from Omaha sent me these sayings what the other Warren of Omaha said in the Omaha World-Herald:  You get more people to love you by being more loveable.  ~   Have a better life by finding three people you admire and doing three things they do; and find three people you don’t like an avoid three things that they do.  FYI, both of these Warrens are not 40! Probably more like 40 + 40!  Sooooo, I bet some of you who are 40ish think those old farts don’t know a thing what is going on (i.e. think all those old farts are antiquity).  If soooooo, I hope someday you’ll figure out that they “just might.”  Me tooooo.

My buddy JohnfromIL sent me this link to a video sung by Micah Tyler titled, You’ve Gotta Love Millennials.  It’s a hoot he thinks.  Me tooooo 4.2M others do toooo. I enjoyed it (i.e. it made me laugh) but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I did watching IA beat Ohio State. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLpE1Pa8vvI

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Youth is a gift of nature. Age is a work of art.

what is this

Some of you might ask, what is this? CrazyMarvin says--This “It’s Saturday” is just asinine!  IckieVickie says--erv, you are just a poached egg! Could be, now that could be.  But folks, this is the wildcat offense; maybe you haven’t seen it before! Now that could be!

What is this?  I told my buddy that I could not operate with a desk like his.  He said—I can’t either. But you are. Just barely! He made me laugh!  We have our house professionally cleaned.  Our gal does such a great job.  I was telling her after she cleaned the other day—It feels oh soooooo good to have a clean house.  Arlene was always quite particular and she even notices it when it’s clean.  I realize that for some of you it’s not a priority.  We are all different aren’t we.  But for me and our household…! MissPerfect says—Seeee, money can buy you a clean house but I’d rather spend that money parting! For each their own!

What is this?  Newspaper hype is always good for selling papers and selling tickets but it’s when the rubber hits the road that really counts.  I have been around the block a few times and heard all this before.  It usually is soooo hard to live up to the hype (i.e. stay humble)—some can do it (i.e. stay grounded but many cannot).  Soooooo Iowa basketball fans, don’t book your motel rooms for the final four (i.e. get the cart before the horse)!  Of course, you can always cancel!  Here is another clue—IA didn’t get any votes for “the top 25 ratings”; so what does that tell ya! There were 7 teams in the Big Ten Conference that did.  Soooo the poll pickers predict that IA will be in the bottom half of the conference.  Well, they shouldn’t have a big head!!!!

My personal offical prognosticator, Bugsy (i.e. who is right most of the time), said before the last Saturday game with MN—If IA doesn’t win this game today against MN, they won’t win any more games this year.  But he predicted that IA would win.  They did, soooo…..I assume he thinks we will win at least one more game.  IA State football won another big one!  They are fun to watch; ISU’s team/success is such a good story—Maybe the greatest story in  college football. 

What is this?  It’s a massive huge moon roof on a Nissan Rogue.  That is what it is.  My buddy, JoeTheHike and his wife Mary leased a new one.  I asked him why they decided on a Nissan Rogue—Mary fell in love with the massive huge moon roof.  That will do it—A happy wife is a happy life!

I was with a couple of smart farmers/friends (i.e. these guys are hot potatoes) who can fix anything and know almost everything (i.e. their wives might think that; they might just think they know everything).  Our garage opener light would work sometimes and not other times.  I asked them how come?  One suggested I pry the positive contact flipper in the socket out more. I told him I already did that.  The other farmer asked me if I’m using a rough service garage bulb.  I didn’t but just used a regular bulb. Why would that make a difference?  They said—You always start solving the problem with the easy things first and if they don’t work, you move to more complicated issues (i.e. I told you these guys are smart).  Sooooo I bought a rough service garage bulb—it worked.  What is this? I should have never question these two smart farmers (i.e. give them a pliers and some baling wire and they can fix anything)!  Such is life.

Why is this do you think?  In our little high school, our cross country teams had 44 runners.  That seems to me to be a pretty large number.  I was told this by a friend who was told to him by one of the coaches soooo it must be right (i.e third hand).  ANYWAY, I think only 6 runners can run in a meet soooo many runners don’t get to compete.  BUT, all 44 never miss practice; they seem to really enjoy it.  Some are not real athletic, but many have got a lot better at running during the year.  Why do they really like this soooo much?

Zenker, One of my Danube HS classmates/buddy, Zenker, emailed me that he flipped the ATV while helping his son moving some trucks on the farm.  Had to be air lifted to the hospital.  He said, it appears I will be ok but got beat up pretty bad.  I thought folks got smarter when they got older; maybe not! I think he still thinks he’s a senior at good old Danube high but he ain’t. 

What is this?  Have you ever asked yourself that question when you have an ache or some illness or disease? Sooooo are those things genetic or come from our environment or just bad luck?  LuckieEddie says—I think they could be from all three or a combination of all three.  A golf buddy/friend has a heart situation and his doctor told him it is because of his parents genetics that were passed onto him (i.e. bad luck).  In rural IA, farmers are harvesting and always checking which hybrid yields the best.  The seed companies constantly breed different stock varieties to get a top producing hybrid (i.e. pass the good genes on).  I remember years ago a client was telling me that his child was suffering from depression.  He said, we shouldn’t be surprised, my mom and my wife’s mom suffer from depression tooooo.

 I have a couz who I really like (i.e. she is a good person with a good heart).  She has some health concerns which limits her.  I recently asked her how she is doing.  She said—I’m a tough Dutchman with God on my side.  That about says it all.  No question, she described herself very accurately. 

What is all this stuff?  In 2016, Americans spent nearly $33 billion on self-storage. So far in 2017, construction on new self-storage units has topped $240 million per month. We have more stuff than we know what to do with. That has to mean that we are very affluent, doesn’t it?  Folks use to have single garages, then double garages, and now triple garages with a storage shed in the back.  What is this?  SusieQ says—We are living the American Dream to its fullest!  Bingo!

I said to a golf buddy that I think he has really improved through the years.  He told me he started in 2000 (i.e. he wasn’t exactly a spring chicken in 2000).  He plays quite well.  He told me that he can play pretty good at times but isn’t consistent. Well buddy, we are all sharper some days than others (i.e. some days we all say to ourselves—what is this) but if we can become rather consistent within a range (i.e. not huge valleys) we feel better and probably are a better player.  JoeBlow says—That appears to apply to our emotions, decision making, how we interact with others, etc.  Folks who are pretty consistent, well, you can count on them (i.e. you know pretty much what you are going to get). DandyDan says--The only sustainable and guaranteed path to self-fulfillment and happiness is to see yourself getting better every day.

I went for a run/jog/walk around Pine Lake on a beautiful fall day.  I met a kid who was maybe 11 with a fishing pole in his hand.  I said—what kind of fish do you catch—bass—what’s your best bait—artificial minnows and frogs—you like the outdoors—ya, I just shot my first buck this week with a bow; a double lung shot—how far did he run before dying—50 yards.  Then his granddad came.  Sooo did you teach him how to fish—no no, he taught me more than I taught him; he watches all those videos; he out fishes me most of the time (i.e. his grandson said—he rarely ever catches more fish than me).  I never had time to do this when working as a line man; I really enjoy this; it’s soooo much fun. This kid taught me that I think I’m going to watch more videos about everything!!!  

What is this?  I read what Ricky said while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--As a pastor for more than 40 years, I can tell you that more people have been ruined by success than by suffering. Suffering tends to push people toward God. But when people are successful, they often forget about God. For every person who can handle pain, you’ll find very few who can handle fame. The praise goes to their head, and it destroys them. It’s why I tell people who’ve seen some success in life that they need to go home and change some diapers, mow their own lawns, and wash their own dishes. When you have some success, make sure you keep in touch with your roots so you don’t miss the warning signs of a fall.

What is this?  A friend is a very active person and an accomplished pickleball player.  For the last year or so she had such pain in her arm/shoulder/neck that she couldn’t play and do much else.  She doctored but they really didn’t get it taken care of.  Recently, a local doctor suggested she take a certain pain pill.  She said she doesn’t do pain pills—just try this one; she said she just got a good night sleep out of it—doctor said try two—she went and played pickleball and hurt her arm bad; tore a muscle (i.e. got way discolored) but it fixed the nerve problem: she says she now has a Popeye bicep muscle but has no pain and can play pickleball and do anything and everything. She said she had to hurt herself to get better.  Crazy!  Folks, it seems like I have heard about this experience many times (i.e, getting hurt to fix the problem). 

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

grizzlyoldfarterv

MyFriendJean says--Opportunity often it comes disguised in the form of misfortune or temporary
defeat.

P.S. "A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness." - Albert Einstein

over the hump

This “It’s Saturday” is not modern digital media to attract and retain an audience. Those that do that are called “influencers.” Some folks make big money doing that.  I read in the paper, soooo it must be right, that Shawn Johnson East does just that.  She says—We make serious revenue doing that. She also said—Whether in the Olympics, business or our digital lives, sometimes you’ve got to do back flips to make your audience pay attention. Extremely interesting! That is always the argument in churches today. 

I think I’m pretty smart at times (i.e. NOT)!  I make myself laugh many times when I get that way.  Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?  But God is God. God owes no one—not even Job—an explanation. CadillacJack says—That doesn’t make me feel very smart!  It appears CadillacJack, maybe once we sorta kinda understand that, we are getting closer to getting over the hump! Bingo! Somesmartperson says--There is stuff that I don't know and there is stuff that I will never know!  

I had a nice conversation by a text thread recently.  She ended our conversation this way--"Enjoyed visiting. I'm content, but not satisfied. Always want to learn, do more, be more." Hey folks, there are some folks more brilliant than others.

I read in the paper soooo it must be right that Einstein, of all people, called himself “very ignorant.”  He wasn’t just pandering, either. Einstein was writing privately to his friend and colleague. The article also said—Toooo little knowledge is far worse than toooo much. Worst of all is not knowing just how little you know.  Studies have shown that people, on average, believe they are well above average.  In other words, almost everyone thinks they are far smarter than they actually are.  It is this type of arrogance, the kind that makes us believe we know something, that prevents us from actually learning it well.  Ouchy ouchy!  Surely they aren’t talking about any of you folks; it must be your neighbors!  

It appears that they aren’t a flash in the pan!  I’m all for IA State Football but…! A friend who is an “overthehumpIAStatefootballfan” was pretty excited about the win over OK.  Yes, it was a good win for their program (i.e. rah rah) but it doesn’t make them a premier football program.  To do that, a program has to win and win and win year after year (i.e. have a history of going to major bowls).  AverageJoe says--That scenario is pretty much like life! Matt Campbell, ISU coach, said in the paper, soooo it must be right—Hopefully that is a win that is pointing us in the right direction so we can get over the hump and become a premier program (i.e. they have now won 3 in a row (i.e. 5-2) soooo they appear to be going in the right direction—rah rah).  In sports and in many facets of life, progress and success is measured analytically and not by hype or talk (i.e. let’s see what the stats say at the end of the year). Go Cyclones! The last 10 years their record is 40-83. Ouchy ouchy! Yabut the Astros record in 2013 was 51-111 and are now in the World Series.  

SusieQ says—Our family is in constant stress as we live from paycheck to paycheck.  We can’t get over the hump.  SusieQ, there is no foolproof a.k.a. idotproof way to get away from stress and have guaranteed prosperity.  Many times folks say--I didn’t know when the sun came up this morning that this was going to happen (i.e. something good or something not soooo good).  A friend was telling me that with their income and their saving mentality, the projections are very good that they will have plenty of money to have a great retirement.  He went on to say—That is unless some crazy, catastrophe happens to us (e.g. wild fires); something that we have no idea what that might be.  GeorgeTheCrook says—Disasters do happen soooo don’t be surprised.  Like a friend says—It’s not if, but when.  Soooo there are always new humps!

Headline in the Waterloo Currier news article was—Waterloo law firm rules in favor of diversity.  It was about the diversity in their law firm.  I think that is rather neat. I was even more interested in what they said as to the type of folks they hire—The basic qualities the firm looks for are “attitude, openness and fitting into the culture.”  We would rather have a low-to medium-talented person with a good work ethic than a lazy talented person.  Sooooo there you go folks—that might be part of the equation to get over the hump.  Such is life.

WildWillie says—Sometimes it feels that I’m right at the cusp. That is when I need to make the decision that will affect me drastically. It’s like being at the peak of the hump (e.g. do I marry this person, do I invest, do I do something that isn’t ethical, do I accept Jesus as my Savior, do I do drugs, do I become someone who I don’t want to be, do I self-glorify myself, etc.).  Now those can be major decisions for all of us.  And guess who gets to make those decisions. Bingo, we each get to do it.  Now that is exciting isn’t it.  Those decisions can make a good life or not soooo good of a life.  We are at the cusp a.k.a. intersection of celebration and headache!

LuckieEddie, are you an impulsive person?  I was mediating about if I am impulsive. Am I impulsive on somethings and not others.  Am I impulsive at different times? Am I swayed by appearances, kindness, power, TRUTH, money, love, pleasures?  Am I envious and jealous at times? It appears to get over the hump and get going down the easy side, I have to make sure I have my priorities right and stay right; that at times can be hard to do.  You know what folks, you guys affect me and my thinking if you like it or not.   Do I want to be like you? You guys entangle my thinking if you know it or not.  Can I be a box in a box? Such is life.

And refreshments will be served!  I read it in the paper, soooo it must be right, that 60% of adults in America are obese and 40% of children.  I think that is a huge massive problem.  What do you think? But refreshments will be served.  I have noticed that many times when they show fans in stands, they are always eating and eating real fatting foods.  Folks love it!  How in the world is America going to change this obesity problem?  I notice that when I grocery shop, very little of the food is actually good for us.  But it appears folks love it and can’t get enough of it. It’s what folks want and demand.  Kids of all ages love candy! A big, tough guy (i.e. a friend) with a huge massive heart is a real picky eater).  You wouldn’t expect that of him by looking at him. ANYWAY, soooo I asked him what food he really likes—ice cream!  He’s a big tough guy but has a taste of a kid! I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! It appears that preaching will not change obesity; it will have to be done somehow through $$$$$ (i.e. penalizing folks financially for being obese).  And that will never happen ‘cause no legislator is going to vote for that as 60% of the folks will take a knee and they won’t get reelected.  Sooooo I think obesity is here to stay (i.e. and probably get worse)!  Such is life.

Flip the pancake!  Little Rookie is in prekindergarten and I asked him what he has learned in school.  He said—Kids in America eat toooo much sugar.  Sooooo I guess that is what they are teaching prekindergartners in Waukee, at least where he goes.  Soooo maybe there is hope to turn this obesity around.  Yabut, trick or treat and they get a whole bag full of sugar.  Such is life.

Do our friends, and family and even acquaintances and even strangers need our compassion. Do you need other’s compassion?  LuckieEddie says--It’s always easier to pull people down than to pull them up. That’s why you must make sure the people you hang out with the most are moving you in the right direction. They should be building you up rather than tearing you down. MissPerfect says--BUT many folks don’t want to be corrected or preached to or hear suggestions, or see themselves as they actually are. If we don’t want to change, we won’t; we have to have a desire. Saturday question—How do we acquire a desire to change? It appears for us to get over the hump, we might have to change. Another Saturday question--For whom can you have compassion for today? TomTerrific says--If your resources match another’s need, do what you can. BuckieBuck always lifts me up and he doesn’t even know it (i.e. I think he has a small mind)!

I read in the paper soooo it must be right that Sports Digest once said that 78% of the NFL football players are broke or under financial stress after they retire.  They said on TV during the “taking a knee controversy” that these guys are smart guys; that doesn’t sound very smart to me.  How about you?  Dr. J says—Prosperity is a poor teacher; adversity is much better. You believe that?  AverageJoe says—Smart folks at any level of income spend less than what they make (i.e. save) soooo when tough times come they can deal with them; that is how ya get over the hump.  Sounds pretty simple to me. LuckieEddie says—Unless you are like me; I have a 98-year-old, multi-millionaire mother-in-law!  She’s my retirement plan!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Spend time counting your blessings, not airing your complaints.

you know

Probably most, if not all of you, think that this “It’s Saturday” isn’t #1 but more like #2!  Sooooo if you think it stinks like #2, spray some Febreze on it and read on! 

A friend was at a meeting when the presenter was explaining something to the audience and said—you know.  A person stopped the presenter and said he didn’t know and asked her if she could explain it.  The presenter stumbled around but could really explain it and concluded with this—you know!

You know what (i.e. is that a question or statement)?.  LuckieEddie (i.e. he's always going down hill with the wind at his back) says—It appears that folks with money have a tendency to be givers by giving money and those who don’t have a lot of money have a tendency to be givers by giving their time. Why is that LuckieEddie?  You know!  No, I don’t know, explain that to me please.  CadillacJack says--Life is great (i.e. period) or (i.e. question mark)!  If you change the . to a ?, it changes the statement completely.  Soooo life is great?.  Suzie says—It all depends what emojis you use!  Susie, I can’t always understand those emojis!  They confuse me at times.  But I’m just a little old farm boy from a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN.  Onesmartgolfbuddy/friend said to me "yippee skippy!" I have no idea what that means! Such is life.

The other day three businessmen and myself sorta kinda accidentally met in front of a local business.  We gave each other a hard time, talked business, shared stuff, laughed a lot, gave each other crap etc.  The whole meeting lasted maybe 15 minutes.  It was soooo uplifting to me.  These guys are great, real guys with good hearts; my kind of folks.  You know, that get-to-gather was maybe just happenstance, na, I don’t think soooo. Dilly Dilly!

I was talking to a one-smart businessman and he told me that the best course he took getting his MBA was business ethics (i.e.I didn't ask him why, should have). Is cannibalization good business? Is it ethical?  Is it necessary to stay afloat? Is it expansion? Is it good business? Is it free enterprise? Is it capitalism? Will it ever stop? You know the answer you know! My Mom, Anna, said to me a lot—erv, always do what is right.  I think that is good advice for good reason.

Friends have this sign hanging on their porch.  I don’t think we will ever have peace on this earth until Jesus returns.  The Bible says that there will be wars and rumors of war tell the end.  A “onesmartguy” told me that we need to all want peace and by doing that it will create a better world to live in.  Sooooo, you know, some folks do pray for peace and for leaders of the world to make good decisions.  LuckieEddie says--Maybe the peace we want is internal peace.  You know, that all makes sense to me.  How about you.  I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--Peace may not be possible in our world, but it’s possible in our hearts because God has given us acceptance, inheritance, deliverance, grace, hope, bounty, joy, nearness, righteousness, and salvation. Hallelujah!

ItchieBitchie says—It seems like everyone is critical (i.e. barkin’) these days. You know!  And it seems that many folks are frustrated and weary. You know! And you know that everyone wants high reward with low risk.  ItchieBitchie says—Yabut, we listen but we don’t hear; we only hear what we want to hear and interrupt it the way we want or think we want (i.e. called rationalizing).  Some buddies and I went out for breakfast last Saturday morning.  I invited another buddy—told him at Todd’s at 7:30—he went to Matt’s at 6:30. I’m going to have to send a note home with him to give to his wife next time! Arlene had her ears flushed out this last week. She says—loud; I assume that means that she can hear better.  Well she should hear better after getting rid of 71 years of crap out of her hears.  You know, I think my buddy should consider getting his ears flushed!  Such is life.

Do you think others really understand you?  Do others know about your boots a.k.a. called errors or mistakes?  Of course not everyone knows about all our boots (i.e. when we kick it).  And even if they know some of our boots, they don’t remember them even though we seem to remember them (i.e. others are soooo busy remembering their own boots).  You know! I had a visit with a super senior friend sorta kinda by accident the other day.  When I say super, she is getting up there in age and is a super gal.  ANYWAY, she told me things about herself that I didn’t know; very interesting stuff (i.e. she was vulnerable to me in telling me about some of her boots—very humble).  I thought I knew her pretty well but I didn’t know the stuff she told me. You know, I actually like her even more now than I did before because I understand her better (i.e. because he was soooo real). 

BigPictureBetty says--An object in possession seldom retains the charm it held in pursuit.  Have you ever wanted something really bad and after you got it, you found out it wasn’t as good and exciting as you though it was going to be?  I have.  But I get bored easily.  I recently did an activity that I enjoy.  But I didn’t enjoy it very much this time.  Maybe it was related to many different reasons; now that could be you know.  Or maybe I need a break from that activity to appreciate it more. Now that could be.  As the song goes—After you been having steak for a long time, beans beans taste fine! You know what I mean!

Attitude is important, you know!  WoldClassLarry says--Hate destroys a person’s spirit. Saturday question—Have you ever been hateful or are you hateful today?  Hate just tears a person’s mind and guts up; yes it does you know.  And the only one it affects is the person who has the hate.  The folks who folks hate aren’t affected or really don’t care. Da!  Crazy, you know! My Daddy, Chester, had the saying in the pic.  I have it hanging by my desk.  You know, he might be right.  What do you think?

I also have this magnetic sign on my file cabinet next to my desk as a reminder.  I’m never perfect or even near perfect but all these reminders help me to focus better.  LuckieEddie says—What you put in comes out! That is why it is soooo important to be around good folks; you just got toooooo.  Especially folks who lift you up and don’t tear you down.  That is why I like you folks; you are uplifters (i.e. except for one of you ha ha).  We have a group of folks in our church who meet monthly called WHO (i.e. we help others—that is what we try to do).  We have been meeting for
several years.  It has become quit a closely-knit group.  They are very uplifting to me.  We share and laugh and sometimes even cry (i.e. we are pretty open with each other).  And of course, we drink coffee and eat goodies.  You know what I mean.  I really like these folks.

MyBigSister, only in age, sent me an article as she thought I might like it. I liked it.  It is by Louis Lotz.  Here is a part of it—Sometimes the most memorable ballgames are the ones that never happened.  Like the most enchanting romances, or the most beautiful sunsets, they’re the ones you only imagined.  Some true things never happened, if you know what I mean…sometimes the best sermons are the ones you only think you heard.  You know!

You know, you have to be pretty lucky to get a hole in one a.k.a. an ace.  Well I got one Tuesday.  My third.  Wow, you say, you must be pretty good. No, just pretty lucky once in a while!  My little, sweet Arlene in her playing days got two.  They use to put pictures of folks who got aces in the paper. My point is that we make a big deal out of somethings that aren’t really a very big deal; they are just fun but really not very important (i.e. lucky).  I want you to write down 5 major accomplishments that you accomplished in our life.  Now those are accomplishments that should be applauded.  Those are important; not lucky.  Oh, you know, it is the custom to buy drinks for everyone on the course when you get a hole in one.  Arlene was riding with me and there was another 2-some on the course.  They were a retired CRC pastor and one of his parishioners; I don’t think they drink; at least publicly!  Besides, the clubhouse was closed! I get all the breaks. Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Beware of giving up too soon. Our emotions are not reliable guides.

P.S. "Money doesn't change men, it merely unmasks them." - Henry Ford

rersolute stuff

It’s baseball playoff season and the world series time.  When a hitter hits a 96 mph fastball off the end of the bat, the ball takes a crazy, funky spin.  This “It’s Saturday” might be one of those balls hit off the end of the bat.  Take that into consideration when reading.

Ricky says--By the time a typical American student graduates from high school today, he or she will have spent more than 30,000 hours in front of a screen (including video games, tablets, laptops, and televisions). That’s 4+ hours a day for 18 years.  That sure seems like a lot of time to me.  What do you think? How will that affect our children?  I have no idea.  What do you think? WorldClassLarry says--But we are programing our future generations and even our current lifestyle.  "The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking." - Albert Einstein  ~   Saturday question—What kind of a future world are we creating?

I took several hours early the other morning and was completely by myself and my thoughts a.k.a. a time out.  For me it’s a great investment which has a good return.  One question I pondered was—Who is the best human being I know?  Sooooo I ask you: Who is the best person you know?  I know a lot of good folks (i.e. many of them are you folks) and the “cream of the crop” comes to the top, but who is the best human being I know? Arlene has some awareness and if I would ask her, and if she would completely understand what I was asking, she would say me—sure she would (i.e. I think!).  I take care of her every need and is her complete caregiver; she couldn’t function without me.  But I might be surprised; she might think someone else is!  I don’t think I will ask her ‘cause she might say one of her old boy friends! ha ha!  Sooooo who is the best human being that you know? 

We took care of friends’ dog, Rudy.  He loved us; thought we were the best.  When we are at Chet and Jessica’s house, their dog Mabel, really likes me (i.e. I think she thinks I’m the best human being around).  Chet says to me—Dad, don’t get to big of a head, Mabel loves everyone who will rub her! Rudy sparked Arlene and uplifted her.  Amazing.  Rudy along with some of you folks who showed such love and kindness to Arlene, I think Arlene realized that people care about her and love her.  I seen a change in her mind set (i.e. her limitations haven't changed but she seems uplifted.  Thanksamillion Rudy and you others. I'm not saying you others are dogs! Oh no! But Rudy sets a pretty high standard!  ha ha

Ya got to keep the old clock wound up to her going!  A 90-year old friend said to me—I have to force myself to do things or I won’t do them. Once I quit, I probably won’t do them again.   Now that takes a strong resolute attitude to force yourself; don’t kid yourself. It’s a lot easier to just quit and never do it again. BuzzardBreathRaymond (i.e. who has very little ambition) says—I don’t force myself to do anything; I’m just pretty lazy; we have a government to take care of folks like me.  BrutalNancy (i.e. aggressive but under control) says—BuzzardBreathRaymond, throw those chips away and get your butt off the couch you lazy son of a gun. Oooops, BrutalNancy shouldn’t of said that; it might not be politically correct (i.e. but it ain't an around the end run)!  ha ha Ok folks, if you take a knee, I hope it’s to clean the stool or to say a prayer! 

A friend has had some severe health issues and now has Parkinson’s. His wife/caregiver says this--We are continuing to live into those 4 essentials Dad shares with our PD friends (some days harder than others!):1. Attitude 2.  Faith in the Lord 3. Humor 4. Keep moving! These folks are good folks with good hearts (i.e. my kind of folks).  They have a strong, honorable resolution. 

 "The best way to predict your future is to create it." - Abraham Lincoln

Last week was the best my body has felt since May when I tore my hamstring which then affected my back and hips.  I played pickleball hard for the first time.  I was telling a retired doctor this while taking a break.  He said—You should quit now and be happy; it’s when you get cocky that you will hurt it again.  Sooooo I quit!  I wonder if #3 Oklahoma was a bit cocky playing IA State (i.e. a 31 point underdog and their starting QB didn’t play for some personal health issue).  They got beat!  CrazyMarvin says—If you want to increase your chances of beating someone, tell them how great they are and how easy it will be for them to win!  Folks with big heads don’t perform very well, usually. 

SusieQ says—I have to be in a certain mood to do certain projects; sometimes It seems to take a long time for me to get in the mood! I need a “little juice” to get me going. I usually go for a 1.5 hour bike ride while Arlene has her hair done.  Well, it was a gloomy day and cool.  I debated if I wanted to ride or not.  I forced myself to do it.  I saw 2 other folks on the trails.  Seeee, others didn’t feel like doing it either.  And you know what, I really enjoyed myself.  Bingo!

I talked to some friends last Saturday morning.  They were cleaning the leaves off their yard.  They told me that they had resolute determination in not buying a bagger for their lawn mower and didn’t forever.  This year they did and said—What were we thinking; we should have done this years ago; way easier and it makes life soooooo much more enjoyable.

ItchieBitchie says—If you are a top caliber person, certain stuff just can’t happen (i.e. they won’t let it happen)!  I was visiting with a person recently and asked her if she is a confident person.  She said she was (i.e. but she’s not over the top about it; cocky). She said she likes herself.  Wow! I think that is a good quality—to like yourself.  I read while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it—We are to love our neighbor as our self.  Sooooo, it would appear, a person has to have strong resolute thinking to do that (i.e. love yourself before a person can love someone else).  What do you think?

TomTerrific has “got it going on” right now! It’s fall and its harvest time in rural America.  To keep rollin’ the farmers have to keep their machines greased, oiled and adjusted.  If not, there probably will be a greater chance of a breakdown.  I had to do some greasing of my brain recently; yes I did.  I was not running right.  It really helped. The drive chain needed some WD40.  It’s a lot better now.  Runners know when there is something wrong with their bodies; something isn’t normal. MyFriendTriathlonSteve says--Sooooo you have to decide if it’s an ache that you can run through or is it something that requires a medical check or a rest.  Runners can listen to their bodies and avoid injuries and burnout (i.e. need a little grease or oil). But do they always listen? Soooo do runners every lie to themselves?  In my case, I knew I was not running right and had to make an adjustment.  I feel, oh soooo much better.  MyFriendTriathlonSteve just bought a new bike (i.e. probably the best there is).  He said—Of the three events, the only thing I can buy to make my time better is the best bike; the other two events are up to me!  Is that buying a better time?

I walked uptown (i.e. or is downtown) the other day and saw this. When we get old and die or need to move out of our house, it’s time for the big dumpster. All that stuff that we collected, well, most will go in the big dumpster.  You might think your stuff it great but most otherrs don't. If you are saving it for your kids, well folks, most kids don’t want it. You know, that stuff that you haven’t used for 20 years or is outdated.  Your kids say—What were they thinking. BUT folks have to have a strong resolute mentality to throw that stuff away while they are alive. Yabut, the other day I needed a scrap of wood and didn’t have one; I should have kept some scraps!  Such is life.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--For many people in the world, real meaning in life is the next vacation, career success, or stepping up the income ladder. It is a life based on pleasurable experiences. Many a human being has toiled their whole life to gain a pleasurable lifestyle only to find a life that is empty and meaningless (i.e. get to the top of the ladder and find out they have their ladder against the wrong wall). You only have to watch television for one evening to discover that advertisers want us to believe this is the goal of life. The work-to-play theme is consistent with most advertising messages. It appears that it takes a strong resolution to withstand those plies (i.e. you gotta have it—just buy it). It appears that many folks want just what the advertisers want them to have a.k.a. the American Dream.  Bingo!  MissPerfect asks--What audience do you play to?

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—What we teach our children today will influence the world.

P.S. AverageJoe says--The single greatest challenge we face as a human being is handling the truth about ourselves!.

exact/notsoooooexact

We have a friend who is an advanced math teacher. There is no speculation in math, it’s either right or wrong.  Way different than adjusting a roof for hail damage, it’s notsooooooexact.  Folks ask me how my respite has affected me.  I tell you what folks, it’s very hard to know or decide (i.e. very notsooooexact).  Maybe I will never know for sure.  But, a change a.k.a. a getaway is good for everyone (i.e. now that is an exact/notsoooexact answer!). I can tell you about my emotions but they aren’t always accurate.  Emotions tend not to measure things right (i.e. emotions can’t always be trusted).  Soooo the exact answer is—I really don’t know (i.e. the exact answer is invisible and unmeasurable). 

Here is something I can measure accurately (i.e. 100% exact).  The words of encouragement from many of you to me to do a respite and those who encouraged me after doing the respite.  Some of you spoke from exact experience you personally had and others from professional view points and others from common sense.  I really appreciate your encouragement.  Sometimes it’s easier to not do something than to do something (i.e. you have probably been there).  Sooooo thanks for all the encouragement. Quite a number of you have offered to stay with Alene and help me.  That is very much appreciated.  Sooooo far I have not had a great need for your offers but the time might come.  I have not forgot about you.  No, I haven’t. 

WildWilly says—A lot of folks make these three common mistakes that get them in trouble. 1. Listen to bad advice (i.e. exactly right).  2. Follow the crowd (i.e. exactly right). 3. Rely on circumstances (i.e. exactly right). Yabut WildWilly, we shouldn’t be too quick to judge others, because we do the exact same things (i.e. exactly right).  GeorgeTheCrook says—The only thing speculative about that is how we interrupt the information! ItchieBitchie says—We have a tendency to interpret information the way it fits us the best (i.e. our self-interest). LuckieEddie says—We can be mulish stupid sometimes (i.e. exactly right)!  Ouchy ouchy!

I watched some baseball recently (i.e. I am a lukewarm fan of the Twins and Cubs—yay yay!). The strike zone is notsoooooexact.  There are a lot of mistakes which cause a lot of unhappiness and can be part of a win or a loss.  I don’t understand that.  Why don’t they just use electronic ball and strike calls.  They have the capability.  They use the electron replay in field calls.  Why not make the calls consistent and exact?  I don’t get it folks.  

Sometimes we don’t like the numbers but numbers don’t lie folks.  When I was in Waukee, I had breakfast at Jimmy Egg (i.e. a new yuppie breakfast place).  On the menu, all the entrees had the number of calories beside them.  I assume they are exact but I don’t know for sure.  But look at the cinnamon rolls; one has 1,520 calories and the other 680 calories. Which one do you think tastes the best?  That is what I thought.  The 1,520-cinnamon roll is all your calories for the day folks; no more eating.  Ouchy ouchy!  SusieQ says--Yabut, they taste soooo good!  Such is life.

FlipThePancake--JukeboxDean says--Celery has negative calories. It takes more calories to eat a piece of celery than the celery has in it to begin with.

I greeted a couple, who are my friends, at church Sunday.  She said—erv, did you notice that he (i.e. her husband) has a new shirt on? (i.e. he always wears the exact same shirt)—no I didn’t, it looks like the exact same green shirt he always wears—it’s the same shirt but new (i.e. he said—but one size bigger!).  Later she told me that she bought him two this time; a green one and a blue one. Holy smokes; I don’t know If I can handle seeing him in a blue shirt!!!! Notsoooooexxact! Crazy fun! 

A friend sent me this text-- I'm a big fan of Jan Karon books. I just read a quote and thought of you.  "Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous ".  Kinda like happenstance?  Nah...  That is an interesting quote as we seem to want everything to be exactly the way we want it (i.e. it ain’t going to happen sweetheart). MissPerfect says—I get unhappy when I don’t get what I want!  I guess that is why it is called faith.  Does that make any sense to you?  That is what I thought, exactly!

I was talking to a pickleball buddy this week.  Conversation went like this—Doesn’t your husband like to play; I know he is into physical fitness—he can’t fit into this competitive structure—soooo he’s not competitive; more laid back—oh no, he’s very competitive in other things; let me tell, you he’s competitive!  Then we played pickleball.  I have no idea what she meant!  I got a notsooooexact answer or was it exact and I just didn’t understand it!!!! Now that could be.  FlipThePancake—A grandmother was telling me about one of their grand girls who runs cross country.  She was telling me that she is pretty good (i.e. talented) but has no competitiveness at all.  Grandma tells her she has to run faster but she doesn’t seem to care; she is happy; grandma didn’t seem happy!  Now I think that is funny.

"The pessimist complains about the wind (i.e. exactly); the optimist expects it to change (i.e. exactly); the realist adjusts the sails (i.e. exactly)." - William Arthur Ward

I heard part of an interview with Bill Gaither last Saturday night.  He said—When folks get to be 40 or 45 or maybe 50 and some even 60 or 70 and have a couple of kids, experience life knocks some, see sorrow and death, have disappointments etc., the lyrics of the Christian songs sometimes start to take on a different meaning. The lyrics are exactly the same but nosoooooexact in how they are felt and interpreted.  Is Bill saying that a stubborn, stiff-necked neck person can change? I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--Have you ever been guilty of judging someone for an experience they've had that you've never had? Did you dismiss it as extreme or something not of God? God is in the business of changing our paradigm from no personal experiences to God-experiences. However, if you operate on a level of rigid logic, you may never have the privilege of having the God-experiences. Keep your heart free to experience new paradigms with God today.

I have been at tooooo many meetings when I hear talk talk talk and talk but no action is ever taken (i.e. we ought to do this and that).  I have been fortunate to be around many good folks (i.e. you guys) who don’t talk all the time but do things.  Many of you just get it done; sometimes without much or any talk.  And in many cases, no one even knows about it, even after it is done.  WorldClassLarry says—Many folks get more done by noon than others doooo all month!  Some are still talking about doing something two weeks after it is done!  That is why committees, government, groups, clubs etc. are soooooo slow in getting anything done (i.e. tooooo many folks with toooo many ideas who like to talk and talk and talk.  AverageJoe says—Talk it a lot easier than actually doing something! Such is life.

A pickleball buddy is a financial advisor.  I asked him--how is business—we have a lot of money that folks want us to invest—that sounds like a good problem—it’s good but also somewhat scary—why is that—it’s another time of “behavioral economists”—what’s “behavioral economics”—it’s when the market is high and some now want a part of it; it happens historically; it’s typically not a good time to invest; the same type of folks are the ones that invest at this time; we want to invest their money but we always don’t know what we should do.  SusieQ says—Investing is not an exact science; it’s more of a notsoooooexact science! Yabut Mr. financial advisor—folks are cow’n on you!!! When you make folks money they go gaga! But when you lose money for ‘em, well, that is a different story!  It’s a lot more fun to win than to lose!

I found this ball on the golf course while running the other morning.  I have a friend who loves the color of pink.  Soooo I played it Wednesday while playing with my buddies (i.e. a tribute to my friend).  It says on the side of the ball—TD WOMEN!  Maybe that is why my buddies called me Ervina!  Hey folks, the TD stands for True Distance! That True Distance is exactly what I need.  Bingo!

Ok, 24/7 caregivers, here is some notsooooexact advice from a little old farm boy from a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN—Do respites!  You need tooooo and you have toooo.  If not, you stand a better than a 50/50 change of dying before the person you are taking care of.  

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Living for the future puts today in perspective.