If You Could Read One Person’s Mind Today, Who Would You Choose?

Mine.

For some reason I’m drawing a blank with this question.

I guess I could think of some historical figures.

“Was it left or right at the big dipper?” – Christopher Columbus

“Hurry up, Martha”, I said, “Hurry up or I’ll miss the coach to New Jersey!” – George Washington

 

Then there is the one person who might stumble across this blog and read it.

I bet you’re thinking, “Why does this guy keep writing?”

 

 

While writing this, I was listening to Pop Singer by John Mellencamp from Words & Music: John Mellencamp's Greatest Hits Disc 1.

QOTD - What was the easiest thing about today?

Certainly not figuring out how to catch up on another month’s worth of Question of the Day posts.

It appears I’ve been slacking again so I have another marathon writing session coming up.

The easiest thing about today was everything because I did pretty much nothing.

I woke up, showered, made coffee, read a book, drank said coffee, made more coffee, drank that coffee with my wife and her mother, ate breakfast, read the paper, surfed the net, checked my email, ate pizza for dinner while watching a movie, surfed the net, and sat down to write some blog posts.

Is a sentence that long allowed?

Oh, who cares?

1 down and about 30 more to go.

 

 

While writing this, I was listening to Coming Home by John Legend from Once Again.

QOTD–Who Is Your Hero? Why?

I’m not really a person who has heroes.

Well, that’s not true, there are several people I admire for lots of different reasons but not one that stands out as “my hero.”

I guess I have lots of heroes.

Since I’m writing this in May between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, my parents immediately come to mind.

They managed to raise three boys and survived. Dad worked and Mom stayed home to take care of us.

Sure, we weren’t rich but we had everything we needed.

Then there’s my brothers.

My older brother, Ronnie, pretty much put his life on hold to take care of both my parent’s as they battled cancer. My sister-in-law, Ann, was right there with him so she makes my hero list as well.

My oldest brother, Keith, has had his own battle with cancer and won.

Suddenly, this has turned into a cancer post. Not what I intended but I might as well go with it.

Cancer is something that chases us all. I’ve had several relatives and friends that have battled cancer.

Some won. Some lost.

But they’re all heroes to me for fighting back.

I have one more hero for my list.

My wife, Evelyn, she deserves all kinds of medals just for putting up with me for the last 30+ years.

Oh yeah, she’s a cancer survivor too.

 

 

While writing this, I was listening to Speak Out by Ralph Sharon Trio/Tony Bennett from MTV Unplugged.

What are you seeking?

A winning lottery ticket.

A comfortable retirement.

An all expense paid vacation.

Peace.

Mindfulness.

Calm.

Self confidence.

A calorie free pizza.

A lawn care service.

A good answer to this question.

A year or so ago, I might have answered happiness but I’m doing pretty good in that department.

I still have my melancholy moments but they don’t last nearly as long as they used too.

I guess all that soul searching and life assessing I have done for the last couple of years has paid off.

 

 

While writing this, I was listening to What Does It Take (To Win Your Love) by Junior Walker & the All-Stars from The Soul Story, Vol. 3 Disc 1.

QOTD–Today was a complete _____________.

Day.

What else is there to say.

It was a good day.

It was a productive day.

It was a cloudy day.

It was a chilly day.

It was a quiet day.

It was a happy day.

The #1 search result from Google was “Well, today was a complete waste of makeup”.

By the way, that doesn’t apply to me.

No pun intended but you can take it however you want to.

 

 

While writing this, I was listening to Brand New by Pharrell Williams Feat. Justin Timberlake from G I R L.

QOTD–What was in your post office box today?

I don’t have a “post office” box, I do have a mailbox at the curb.

Today’s mail consisted of:

A donation request letter from St. Judes Children’s Hospital.

Sears appliance warranty renewal – FINAL NOTICE

Monthly newsletter from our friend Craig O’Boyle. Realtor Extraordinaire. Check him out at http://www.oboylerealestate.net

Costco coupons

 

 

 

While writing this, I was listening to High Gas Prices by Big Bill Morganfield from Born Lover.

QOTD–Did you work hard today?

Yes I did.

I mowed the front and back yards including the shared strips between us and the neighbors.

Spread some grass seed.

Planted some zinnia seeds.

Turned the automatic sprinklers back on. They didn’t work. Managed to soak myself from head to toe. They still don’t work.

Took a shower (you’re welcome).

Napped

Been writing furiously to catch up on a month’s worth of “Question of the Day”.

Still typing.

Going grocery shopping later.

Still typing.

 

 

 

While writing this, I was listening to Red Cadillac and a Black Moustache by Brian Setzer from Rockabilly Riot, Vol. 1: A Tribute to Sun Records.

QOTD - Did you thank anyone today?

Yes

QOTD–The Greatest Wisdom Comes From ________.

My first thought was “from within’’.

Not sure why, it just sounded good.

But I guess if you’ve lived it or experienced something then you have a good idea of how it’s going to play out.

Here’s what some other people think.

 

“Some of life's greatest wisdom comes from observing the lives of very lost people.” – Shannon L. Alder

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”  - Aristotle

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” – Socrates

“In a good bookroom you feel in some mysterious way that you are absorbing the wisdom contained in all the books through your skin, without even opening them.” – Mark Twain

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” – Confucius

Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue. – Buddha

“With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.” – Job 12:12

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth  forever.” – Psalm 111:10

"Knowing others is wisdom; Knowing the self is enlightenment." - Tao Te Ching

"Patience is the companion of wisdom."  - Saint Augustine

"The beginning of wisdom is found in doubting; by doubting we come to the question, and by seeking we may come upon the truth."  - Pierre Abelard

"The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is a knowledge of our own ignorance." - Benjamin Franklin

"Memory is the mother of all wisdom." - Aeschylus

"Wisdom is the daughter of experience." - Leonardo da Vinci

 

 

While writing this, I was listening to How Am I To Know? by Billie Holiday from The Commodore Master Takes.

QOTD–When was your last vacation? Where did you go?

That would have been last October in San Antonio.

Evelyn had a business conference and I tagged along (again) and played tourist while she worked.

QOTD–What Are You Glad You Did Today?

Got out of bed and went out for breakfast with the wife and mother-in-law.

After 3 days of allergies/cold/fever, that was a major accomplishment. Then I went home and took more meds.

QOTD–Cold & Flu Edition

Time for another lightning round of Question Of The Day.

And what better condition to answer a series of personal questions than being hopped up on cold meds and sipping hot tea.

March 13 – How much “me” time did you take today?

If you’re talking about “alone” time with no one else around. Not much. I worked all day, left right after work and drove to Pueblo to see Dwight Yoakum with a couple of other thousand people.  If you’re talking about doing something for myself that I enjoyed…Hey, I got to see Dwight Yoakum in concert. It’s hard to beat that.

March 14 – List three things you have faith in.

My wife, my friends, and coffee.

March 15 – Who is the last person you said “I love you” to?

My wife

March 16 – Did you seize any opportunities?

Not that I recall.

March 17 – Where did you go today?

Work, Wendy's, Walgreens, Home, Bed

March 18 – What advice were you given today?

Take this and stay in bed.

March 19 – Today was ______.

Rainy

 

Ok, I’m going back to bed now.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Wise,Peace,Love&Faith [Explicit]" from "TuneCore Winter Showcase 2013 - Alternative / Rock [Explicit]" by "Wise Kebabs "

QOTD–What Did You Find Inspiring Today?

Man, I was tired today so I guess I wasn’t really paying attention.

It wasn’t an uninspired day but I just can’t think of one specific thing.

QOTD–What Is The Most Valuable Thing You Own?

My wedding ring.

Hands down, no other material possession is as valuable to me as that simple ring of gold.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Now Is the Start" from "Now Is the Start - Single" by "A Fine Frenzy"

QOTD–What Relaxes You?

Reading and listening to music.

Reading, listening to music, and sitting on a deck with a great view, that’s the best.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " I'll Be Waiting" from "21" by "Adele"

QOTD–What Is The Last Song You Listened To?

While writing this I was listening to " Soon Come" from "Masters of Reggae, Vol. 2" by "Bob Marley & The Wailers"

And yours?

 

 

QOTD–On A Scale Of 1- 10 How Clean Is Your House? (10 Being The Cleanest)

About an 8, only because we have vaulted ceilings throughout the upstairs and it’s difficult and time consuming to dust all the nooks, crannies, and woodwork.

Then there’s my closet.

Don’t get Evelyn started on that one.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to "Common Mistake" from "Best of What’s Next Playlist 2015" by "The Bad Years"

QOTD–Man I Suck At This

Ok, that’s a statement, a fact. I haven’t answered a question since Feb. 11th so I guess it’s time for another marathon session.

Since I do good to remember what I did this morning, there’s no way I’m going to be able to answer these questions as if it was the day they were asked. Therefore (ooo, big word), I am answering them based on today, March 6th.

Here we go.

How many photos did you take today? 

Zero, zilch, nada, none.

What book are you reading right now?

The Art Of Neighboring by Jay Pathak. I read 2 pages of the introduction 3 days ago so I guess that counts as currently reading.

How many hours of sleep did you get last night?

A rare 7 hours. Normally its around 5 1/2 to 6.

Last thing you wanted but didn’t get.

ROOT BEER! I was drinking 1 or 2 root beers a day for a while. I just couldn’t get enough, then I gave up soft drinks for Lent. Man, do I miss root beer.

What mood are you in today?

Kind of melancholy. I’ve been having some inner struggles staying upbeat due to having a chance to advance my career but being knocked down because I don’t have a college degree. It’s tough to keep up on a “happy” face when you know you are qualified for something but can’t get for only one reason.

What was the last new thing you tried?

Pollo Con Cremaat 3 Margaritas in Greenwood Village, CO. One of my favorite dishes!!!!  Rosanna Waldo loved & spotted this about 4 years ago.

If you’re talking food then it’s the Pollo Con Crema at 3 Margaritas. I would highly recommend it anytime.

Non-food? I have dabbled a little with meditation but not enough to stay focused without my mind wandering (or falling asleep). Guess I need more practice.

My biggest hope is______.

That Evelyn and I will be able to catch up on our financial obligations aka the bills by the end of year. Then we can plan the cruise that I have been promising her for the last 20 years.

What has challenged your morals?

I have a really strong moral compass so not much has tempted me. I live in Colorado where marijuana is legal but have no desire to partake. Lying and stealing would make me so uncomfortable that I would give myself away. That’s what good upbringing and a conscious does for you.

What kind of car are you driving?

A 2002 Jeep Liberty on most days. A 2000 Dodge Neon on the others.

List your pets.

I have no pets.

What are three things you need to buy?

Toilet paper, a winning lottery ticket, and maybe a new shirt.

Today I felt really secure knowing ______.

That my friends, family, and co-workers support me even when I’m being extra hard on myself.

Whose life did you make a difference in today?

Hopefully my co-worker. she applied for the same position that I applied for but I don’t have the degree and she does. I was asked by her potential future boss how I felt she would do in the position and I told the truth, I think she would do very well and had been encouraging her to apply all along.

What is your superpower?

Lately, it’s been professionalism and poise in the face of disappointment.

What is annoying you?

Me. Or mainly my self-doubt and frustration over this whole no degree thing. I know I made the right decision 32yrs ago when I dropped out of college. I had a new wife and a baby on the way, I needed to go to work full time for them. I just need to let myself be ok with all this and quit obsessing over it.

Obsessing, that’s mine and Evelyn’s word of the week.

What would have made today perfect?

I’m writing this while sitting in Mimi’s Café and drinking a wonderful cup (ok, bowl) of cappuccino, and writing. It doesn’t get much better than this. Well, maybe if I was doing this with Evelyn in Santa Fe, it would be perfect.

What stresses you?

Me. Most of my stress is self-induced and it’s usually over stupid shit.

The funniest thing you heard today.

During a department meeting this morning one co-worker was explaining the Fire Alarm Emergency Kit that she had assembled for us. It has a checklist, bullhorn, reflective vest, flashlight, and orange traffic cones in it. During her presentation another co-worker interrupted her to ask if we were supposed to put the cones on our heads and shout “Follow Me!”.

If you could have a new talent what would you want?

The same confidence in myself that others have in me. I’d also like to learn how to crochet.

Who is your best friend but not your spouse?

I’m kind of lacking in the best friend department right now. I have good friends but not one or two that I hang out with or confide in on a regular basis. Besides Evelyn, I guess my cousin would be my closest friend.

What do you wish you had left unsaid?

Oh so many things. Too many to list here. I tend to run without a filter on most days so I say quite a few questionable things.

What was the first thing you ate or drank today?

A banana followed by a cup of coffee.

Are you saving or spending?

About 10% saving and 90% spending. That’s going to reverse itself as the year progresses and we start to pay off more bills.

 

Whew! That took a while. Let’s see if I can keep up from here on out.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" from "Facing Future" by "Israel Kamakawiwo'ole"

 

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow
Blue birds fly
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Dreams really do come true ooh oh
Someday I'll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me
Oh, somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly
And the dream that you dare to,
Oh why, oh why can't I?
Well I see trees of green and red roses too,
I'll watch them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Well I see skies of blue
And I see clouds of white
And the brightness of day
I like the dark
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people passing by
I see friends shaking hands
Saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying, I...I love you
I hear babies cry and I watch them grow,
They'll learn much more than we'll know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world world
Someday I'll wish upon a star,
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney top
That's where you'll find me
Oh, somewhere over the rainbow way up high
And the dream that you dare to, why, oh why can't I? I?

QOTD–I Wish I Had ________

a little more courage to step outside my comfort zone.

I have missed out on past opportunities because of a fear of the unknown.

There have been times throughout my life that I knew I had the talent, abilities, and qualifications to do things differently but the fear of embarrassing myself or drawing attention to myself or repeating past mistakes has stopped me. 

Oh, woe is me. The life of an introvert.

I marvel at family and friends who can step right out and take risks without constant analyzation of the “what if” scenarios.

You know, what if I fail, what if someone is offended, or laughs, or….

For the past few years, I have been building up the courage to step outside my box a little more. I’ve made big strides, little by little.

Whining, confessing, and bitching on this blog for the past 7 years has helped too.

In the last couple of years, I’ve scooted a little further out on the limb and in the near future I plan on scooting out a little more.

The limb hasn’t broke yet.

 

“Why not go out on a limb? That’s where the fruit is.” –Mark Twain

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Don't Try So Hard" from "Queen Forever" by "Queen"

 

If you're searching out for something -
Don't try so hard
If you're feeling kinda nothing -
Don't try so hard
When your problems seem like mountains
You feel the need to find some answers
You can leave them for another day
Don't try so hard
But if you fall and take a tumble -
It won't be far
If you fail you mustn't grumble -
Thank your lucky stars
Just savour every mouthful
And treasure every moment
When the storms are raging round you
Stay right where you are
Don't try so hard
Oooh don't take it all to heart
It's only fools they make these rules
Don't try so hard
One day you'll be a sergeant major
Oh you'll be so proud
Screaming out your bloody orders
Hey but not too loud
Polish all your shiny buttons
Dressed as lamb instead of mutton
But you never had to try
To stand out from the crowd
Oh what a beautiful world
Is this the life for me
Oh what a beautiful world
It's the simple life for me
Oh don't try so hard
Oh don't take it all to heart
It's only fools - they make these rules
Don't try so hard
Don't try so hard

QOTD–Many, Many Questions

I was feeling a little under the weather a few days ago, so I decided to put off the daily question until I felt better.

Well, that “few days” turned out to be over a week so I have several questions to answer.

Looks like it’s time for another lightning round.

Here we go:

My house is a home because ______.

Evelyn is there. A tent could be my home as long as she was there.

Who was the last person to tell you they loved you?

Evelyn

What is your favorite piece of art you own?

I don’t own a lot of art. There is one oil painting of mine that I’m pretty proud of but I would have to say that currently this guy is my favorite. I picked him up at a souvenir shop in San Antonio.

 

The most expensive bill I paid last month was ________.

The mortgage

What’s the last thing you apologized for?

Oh, there are so many things. I can’t remember which one was last.

My favorite color is ______.

Cobalt blue

On a scale of 1-10 how is your health?

Even with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, glaucoma, and being overweight, I would still see myself around 8. Denial? Maybe, but you got to give me points for optimism.

If you could do today over, would you change anything?

I would be a lottery winner and on vacation.

Name a person you wish you didn’t have to deal with today.  

The patron who will wait for the closing announcement before attempting to check out their 100 items on a blocked account. I hate you.

What is the largest TV screen in your house?

42”

What time did you go to bed last night?

10:45pm. If only that was what time I went to sleep, things would be so much brighter today.

What did you buy today?

So far nothing, it’s still morning. I’ll probably buy a salad on the way into work.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Cozza Frenzy" from "Cozza Frenzy" by "Bassnectar"