Table Talk

We had lunch with my Oldies today.

They seemed so happy to see us but I honestly don't think Mr. Oldie knew who we were. Lunch conversation is getting harder and harder.

What would you talk about if you couldn't remember anything?

The last time we were there we teased Mr. Oldie about when he and his neighbor and fellow curmudgeon, Andy Rooney, lived in Connecticut, and rode into New York together on the train.

But now he doesn't remember the train, Connecticut or Andy Rooney.

When all of the memories go and we truly live in the moment, conversation suffers.

The two lunch choices were shrimp or Philly sandwiches. They didn't seem to know what either was and appeared to be overwhelmed when their Philly steak sandwiches arrived.

I'm so happy and grateful that they're safe and well cared for.

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Joy, Joy, Joy

I believe in the "perfectibility of human society" and have a confidence that humans can bring about the Kingdom of God. Heaven happens when people treat each other on earth as Jesus instructed - as brothers and sisters. - Reinhold Niebuhr

Last week I taught my Sunday school class. My two requests were:

Tell us about a time when you experienced a particular joy in your life.

Tell us about a time when you were aware of helping to provide joy to the lives of others.

Wow, what great responses ensued. The folks in my class are so positive and giving and open that the discussion was all that was needed to make my point.

One man said that he felt Joy the last time we fed the homeless together. I joked that, yeah, it is a joy except when you get stuck with serving the soup.

But I was just kidding. It's always a joy to help folks who need it.


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Is It a Myth?

As you probably have seen, American Atheist David Silverman has erected a billboard in New York of the Nativity with the headline "You Know It's a Myth."

H-E-Double Toothpicks has broken loose. The cable networks have gone crazy with it. A Catholic organization has erected a competing billboard on the other side of the street. Same Nativity but with the headline "You Know It's the Truth." When I saw a representative being interviewed he was hoppin' mad.

Is it a myth? Not for me it isn't. Well, some of the details of the birth story might be. The time line for those three Kings coming to the manger don't quite work out - but the basic story and the ultimate meaning of the story work just fine for me.

How do I react to Mr. Silverman's billboard? It makes me think and makes me reaffirm my faith.

How do I react to the wild, angry comments from Christian organizations and individuals around the country? I wish they'd read the Sermon on the Mount or at least a Christmas card or two that show Jesus as The Prince of Peace.

I wish they'd evidence a sense of humor and a little loving Christian tolerance and kindness.

You know, the way Jesus did.

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Willie's On My Mind

Willie Nelson was in the paper today. He's facing jail time for pot possession. This makes no sense to me because Willie's been smoking pot every day for 60 years and everybody on the planet knows it.

But then I, myself, like to occasionally give Willie a hard time.

Yesterday I listened to one of my favorite Willie Nelson CDs while I trimmed the Christmas tree. One of the most beautiful songs he's ever sung is "You Were Always On My Mind." But the message is:

Sorry babe, I couldn't take you to your chemo treatment, 'cause I had a gig in Amarillo. But it's OK 'cause you were on my mind.

And don't get me started on "She's a Good Hearted Woman In Love With a Good Time Man."

But Willie's done some wonderful things in his long life and seems to be a congruent person. And I love his voice. So I hope he gets out of this latest jam.

P.S. Do you remember years ago when Willie had a line of clothes at K-Mart? Of course it failed because who in the world would like to dress like Willie Nelson?





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Why I'm Happy

Dan Buettner has written a new book called "Thrive." It's a study of ways people can achieve happiness.

By the way, Dan says the happiest people in the USA live in San Luis Obispo, CA. Bummer for the rest of us!


But when he listed the four most happiness-producing elements, I knew I was golden. Here they are:


1. Sleep - Happy people get a good night's sleep. As those of you who read this blog regularly know, I have suffered life long insomnia. But about five years ago I started taking sleep seriously. One of the many things I do now is sleep in a cool room. Tonight it's supposed to get down to 15 degrees. Yes, I will open the bedroom windows as usual. Yes, Dave has a sense of humor about this.



2. Money - Yes, money's important. But we don't need much, just enough to feel secure about our shelter, food and medical care. That's about $75,000 for a family of four. So if you have more, share it. That will make you happy as well.


3. Physical Activity - Walking's the best, and it's free. Dave and I never miss a day.


4. Social Activity - Dave and I love being with other people. We love being with friends and family - and friendly strangers.


So those are Dan Buettner's top four elements. As you know, I'm a spiritual person so I would put that at the top of the mix. Being grateful every day for what I have makes me happy. But that's just me.


I do agree with his best advice for unhappy people who want to get happy: "You have to work at it."

Seems crazy to even say that but I see unhappy people all the time who seem to wallow in it.





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How Scary Is the Inner City?

The other evening we watched the PBS special where writer and actor Tina Fey won the 2010 Mark Twain Award for American Humor. During the show they replayed one of the "30 Rock" segments where the character played by Tracy Morgan was having a flashback on his life in the 'hood.

Keep in mind that this was written for Tracy by Tina Fey, the self described "obedient white girl from the suburbs."

It's all coming back...I watched a prostitute stab a clown! Our basketball hoop was a ribcage!

I blocked all this stuff out for a reason.

Oh, Lord, some guy with dreads electrocuted my fish.

All my life I've tried to forget the things I've seen.

A crackhead breastfeeding a rat. A homeless man cooking a Hot Pocket on a third rail of the G train!...A puppy committed suicide after he saw our bathroom! I once bit into a burrito and there was a child's shoe in it! I've seen a hooker eat a tire!..A pack of wild dogs took over and successfully ran a Wendy's!

I, myself, grew up on the mean streets of inner city Indianapolis but I never experienced anything like this. Or did I just block it out for a reason? I think I'll call my brother and check it out with him.


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Those People in Wisconsin Are Crazy

Apparently a large number of Americans are surprised that Bristol Palin is still on "Dancing With the Stars". I've seen her on the show only a couple of times but she has really improved as a dancer - and isn't that what it's all about?

Some people have suggested that Bristol is getting votes because of her famous mom. But she was quoted a few days as saying that as many people dislike her mom as like her.

That makes sense to me. I'm willing to believe that Bristol is hanging in there on her own merits. And good for her.

In a related story in this morning's Minneapolis Star Tribune, a Wisconsin man, apparently fueled by several beverages, blasted his television with a shotgun, because (apparently again) he was enraged by Bristol's performance on "DWTS." Officers coaxed him out of his house after an all-night standoff.

When Dave told this story to the young lady who served us our lunch today, her only response was:

"Those people in Wisconsin are crazy!"


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