Or Maybe Somebody’s Crystal Ball Was REALLY Clear One Day In 1951

Since the theme of the week around here has predominately been about “perspective,” here’s a note to end on:

It can be a somewhat impersonal fact to note that a book has an original copyright date of 1951, but it adds a little more flavor to note that that it lists all the Presidents of the United States from George Washington to the then current President Eisenhower. (I’m presuming even though it doesn’t say, that this book is a slightly later printing that the original copyright date since Eisenhower didn’t take office until 1953.)

Something Inspired By Today’s History Lesson

One person’s “I invaded this country annually for eighteen years until they learned to give me the respect (i.e., tribute) I feel is my due,” is another person’s “For eighteen years this idiot told us he had ‘conquered’ us and that we ‘owed’ him something, and for eighteen years we disagreed.”

Something That Came Out Of A Conversation With My Son This Morning

Frequently the “boring” stuff is also the most important stuff.

This Is An Amalgam Of A Couple Of True Stories I Know

One story that came out of the conversation with my son that I referenced yesterday was the following:

A proper and God-fearing Southern woman is told by her doctor that she needs to start drinking a glass of wine in the evening for her health.

“I can’t do that!” the woman protested. “Drinking is a sin!”

Sighing, the doctor explained that while she could write her a prescription for something else, the side-effects would be serious, and she strongly recommended the evening glass of wine, and suggested the woman discuss the matter with her minister before making her decision.

So the woman explains the situation to her minister, and when she’s done, the minister nods. “So, if I understand correctly,” he said slowly, “a glass of wine in the evening would help you, but you’re concerned about the consequences.”

“Exactly!” the woman replied. “I’m a proper, God-fearing woman! What would people think if I started drinking, particularly at my age?”

The minister nodded again. “I understand. I’m a God-fearing man myself. I grew up in this town and in this church, same as you; I consider the well-being of my flock, physical and spiritual, as one of my highest concerns, and I believe the same is true of God. So as His representative and as a shepherd of your soul, I’m advising you to drink the damn wine and to Hell with what people think.”

So It’s The Exception, Not The Rule

“I’m attending a virtual meeting in an advisory capacity this afternoon,” L’s Mother told me this morning.

“Meaning,” I chuckled, “that if they already agree with you, your input is valued and appreciated, and if they don’t agree with you, they didn’t have to listen to you anyway. Is that it?”

“Well . . . not this time . . .” L’s Mother admitted.

That Didn’t Work Out Well For Them, But I Could STILL Benefit From Being More Tranquil

Truth be told, I have to admit that I just do not seem to be a naturally tranquil person, and many well-meaning people over the years have advised that, for my own benefit, I would do well to change that.

Mind you, there’s also been a few ill-meaning people who have advised the same in the hopes they could continue to treat me like garbage and I wouldn’t mind so much.

I Couldn’t Help But Think, “We’ve All Been There, Man.”

This morning I watched a hungry lizard on one side of a mesh stalking a bug that was on the other side of said mesh. This was driving the lizard insane because he could see his goal, it was right there, but he couldn’t understand that unless he changed his approach, what he wanted was always going to be impossibly out of reach.

To Give You Even MORE Insight Into My Thought Process

Yesterday I referenced the “back bathroom.” In the interest of full disclosure, what I refer to as the “back bathroom” is actually in the front of the house.

Why do I call it the back bathroom then?

Because I spend the majority of my working time in my office in the back of the house, so from my point of view, the front bathroom is the one farthest behind me.

It’s just a quirk about myself that I’ve come to accept.

And, No, I Didn’t Do This Myself, But Apparently It’s A Remarkably Common Accident

Pro-tip of the day: While technically it accomplishes the goal of “not splashing the boiling water” when you place your fingers in the water along with the hot dogs . . .

You know what, I don’t think I need to finish this. You get the idea, right?

Because Their Risk Is MY Risk Too

While it is, of course, more than possible to be overly selfish, there’s nothing intrinsically wrong with keeping your own well being in mind. For instance, I don’t know about you, but I know that *I* am perfectly okay with any pilot on any airplane I’m on being aware if they are not healthy enough – mentally, physically or emotionally – to fly the plane that day.