"Sometimes I don't have a clue what you're saying"

Comprende? Dig? Understand (rubber band)?

A many year friend recently wrote that ("don't have a clue") - and then showered with superlatives after. I love the word understand.... understand?

We all are of different medulla oblongata, different walks, different talks, colors, sizes, sexes, socioeconomics, backgrounds, climates, towns, frowns, smiles, whiles....

Lots I don't understand. Sushi, bleeeck.. My bloody English mate, and hell, they were speaking the language long before us. Española. Why birds don't get fried on power lines. Driving 70 and not being able to see the front bumper of the car seven feet behind. I don't understand God awful, and awfully good.

Hate. I hate hate. Victor, I don't understand that. Sorry.. I hate that. I don't understand flies, crickets, cicadas, moths, ants, raccoons (the little bastards), mice....

Anatomy and kinesiology (And I HAD to take that to graduate, get a degree.) I no comprende that some with degree look down on those that ain't gots one... and that some that don't have one assume those with one are uppity. Understand? Me neither.

She/he is very understanding. Yeah? You wanna impress me? Stick him/her in a Portuguese restaurant and have 'em order a cheeseburger.

I go to Church's Fried chicken to get the same order 2-3 times a week. It's always $5.05. I no comprende, don't unnerstand why the guy on the speaker can pronounce the second 5, but not the first. "Fiye-oh-five please." I giggle every time. I don't understand giggle, but it happens. And.. it's a good thing. Good/bad, are different for all of us, I don't understand that.

Once, in high school, drove thru Dog N Suds, asked the gal that was taking my order out [I'd been wanting to go out with her for a long time] over the speaker thingy. I understood, by her red face when I got to the window, the speaker was very loud and everyone in the joint heard it. Oops. I understand "if looks could kill".. Oh well.

I don't understand how the guy with no legs had the guts, determination, mindset, training (with attached blades to his legs) to become a world class sprinter, then piss it all away horrifically (and take another's life). I don't understand horrific. I don't understand taking another's life. I don't understand war. I don't understand religionS. I no comprende disparity in CEO/worker bee wages. Victor, you're bouncing around allover the place, I don't understand where you're going with this.

Me neither. Understand? Begrijpen (Dutch), Razumeti (Serbian), समझना (Hindi), 理解して (Japanese), Compreender (Portuguese... and believe it or not, cheeseburger is cheeseburger in Portuguese, don't believe me, go to freetranslation.com.. I didn't understand it either.).. dnatsrednu (Backwards), puɐʇsɹǝpun (Upside down).. VIctor, I don't understand how you did that. Easy, google "how to type upside down." (Google understands everything)..


I don't Begrijpen (Dutch, remember) burning bridges. I don't understand the person that just quit work due to stress and how working compares to going to the mailbox to get water/gas/electric/trash/cable bills. I don't understand many of the things I'd never heard of years ago dominate my life today.. user ID/password. Online. Internet. Or intranet, I never understood which... apps.. pop-ups (they were things u put in the toaster years ago).. tweet.. Outlook (patooey!).. blog.. facebook.. "Victor, one day you will live on Facebook." Huh? I don't understand that.

I do understand old people are understood to be constant complainers. I don't understand whyinthehell IT types/companies/providers, make 'new and improved' changes, and it takes like 5 clicks more to get the same damn thing as before. Old/grump/understood.

I don't understand remote controls with 89 buttons. gigabytes... why, when my phone alarm goes off in the morning - half the time the snooze/dismiss option doesn't display. I have to take my case off, take the back of the phone off, and undo the battery. I don't 理解して that. (Japanese, remember?)

I don't understand a United States fulla Repubs and Dems who hate each other. (I understand KU-MU no likey).. I don't Razumeti (Serbian, remember?) why Jackie Robinson didn't hit back. I don't understand why some are born challenged. Why some leave all too soon. How someone can say "jeeesh, I can't wait until Friday" and moan/piss MTWT away. I don't understand why the Royals are either "the shit" or "shit" and there's no inbetween.

I loved Logic class in College with Dr. David. He'd say something like "If... then is only False when Then implies False, all other cases are true.... dig?" I dug how he said that, when rarely teachers actually asked that, they gave tests instead. Nomme, shake your head up/down, or sideways, lemme hear the rocks of understand/no comprende.

I don't understand when sometimes "hi" is not reciprocated. I do understand we're all different, and that sentence I just wrote should teach me I have no understanding of what's gone on, going on, in their life.

I don't quite understand everything my 32 month old granddaughter says, but understand I LOVE hearing her talk, and believe she understands what she's saying. I don't understand cruelty to children, spouses, people, animals.

I've rambled, and I understand many of you left paragraphs ago. Please understand - I am thankful for any eyeballs here - and if one, and only one smile ever happens here, then goal reached. Understood?

Love, Victurd.

Sometimes I don't have a clue what you're saying.

Comprende? Dig? Understand (rubber band)?

A many year friend recently wrote that ("don't have a clue") - and then showered with superlatives after. I love the word understand.... understand?

We all are of different medulla oblongata, different walks, different talks, colors, sizes, sexes, socioeconomics, backgrounds, climates, towns, frowns, smiles, whiles....

Lots I don't understand. Sushi, bleeeck.. My bloody English mate, and hell, they were speaking the language long before us. Española. Why birds don't get fried on power lines. Driving 70 and not being able to see the front bumper of the car seven feet behind. I don't understand God awful, and awfully good.

Hate. I hate hate. Victor, I don't understand that. Sorry.. I hate that. I don't understand flies, crickets, cicadas, moths, ants, raccoons (the little bastards), mice....

Anatomy and kinesiology (And I HAD to take that to graduate, get a degree.) I no comprende that some with degree look down on those that ain't gots one... and that some that don't have one assume those with one are uppity. Understand? Me neither.

She/he is very understanding. Yeah? You wanna impress me? Stick him/her in a Portuguese restaurant and have 'em order a cheeseburger.

I go to Church's Fried chicken to get the same order 2-3 times a week. It's always $5.05. I no comprende, don't unnerstand why the guy on the speaker can pronounce the second 5, but not the first. "Fiye-oh-five please." I giggle every time. I don't understand giggle, but it happens. And.. it's a good thing. Good/bad, are different for all of us, I don't understand that.

Once, in high school, drove thru Dog N Suds, asked the gal that was taking my order out [I'd been wanting to go out with her for a long time] over the speaker thingy. I understood, by her red face when I got to the window, the speaker was very loud and everyone in the joint heard it. Oops. I understand "if looks could kill".. Oh well.

I don't understand how the guy with no legs had the guts, determination, mindset, training (with attached blades to his legs) to become a world class sprinter, then piss it all away horrifically (and take another's life). I don't understand horrific. I don't understand taking another's life. I don't understand war. I don't understand religionS. I no comprende disparity in CEO/worker bee wages. Victor, you're bouncing around allover the place, I don't understand where you're going with this.

Me neither. Understand? Begrijpen (Dutch), Razumeti (Serbian), समझना (Hindi), 理解して (Japanese), Compreender (Portuguese... and believe it or not, cheeseburger is cheeseburger in Portuguese, don't believe me, go to freetranslation.com.. I didn't understand it either.).. dnatsrednu (Backwards), puɐʇsɹǝpun (Upside down).. VIctor, I don't understand how you did that. Easy, google "how to type upside down." (Google understands everything)..


I don't Begrijpen (Dutch, remember) burning bridges. I don't understand the person that just quit work due to stress and how working compares to going to the mailbox to get water/gas/electric/trash/cable bills. I don't understand many of the things I'd never heard of years ago dominate my life today.. user ID/password. Online. Internet. Or intranet, I never understood which... apps.. pop-ups (they were things u put in the toaster years ago).. tweet.. Outlook (patooey!).. blog.. facebook.. "Victor, one day you will live on Facebook." Huh? I don't understand that.

I do understand old people are understood to be constant complainers. I don't understand whyinthehell IT types/companies/providers, make 'new and improved' changes, and it takes like 5 clicks more to get the same damn thing as before. Old/grump/understood.

I don't understand remote controls with 89 buttons. gigabytes... why, when my phone alarm goes off in the morning - half the time the snooze/dismiss option doesn't display. I have to take my case off, take the back of the phone off, and undo the battery. I don't 理解して that. (Japanese, remember?)

I don't understand a United State fulla Repubs and Dems who hate each other. (I understand KU-MU no likey).. I don't Razumeti (Serbian, remember?) why Jackie Robinson didn't hit back. I don't understand why some are born challenged. Why some leave all too soon. How someone can say "jeeesh, I can't wait until Friday" and moan/piss MTWT away. I don't understand why the Royals are either "the shit" or "shit" and there's no inbetween.

I loved Logic class in College with Dr. David. He'd say something like "If... then is only False when Then implies False, all other cases are true.... dig?" I dug how he said that, when rarely teachers actually asked that, they gave tests instead. Nomme, shake your head up/down, or sideways, lemme hear the rocks of understand/no comprende.

I don't understand when sometimes "hi" is not reciprocated. I do understand we're all different, and that sentence I just wrote should teach me I have no understanding of what's gone on, going on, in their life.

I don't quite understand everything my 32 month old granddaughter says, but understand I LOVE hearing her talk, and believe she understands what she's saying. I don't understand cruelty to children, spouses, people, animals.

I've rambled, and I understand many of you left paragraphs ago. Please understand - I am thankful for any eyeballs here - and if one, and only one smile ever happens here, then goal reached. Understood?

Love, Victurd.

Hearts of gold...

I want to live,
I want to give
I've been a miner
for a heart of gold.
It's these expressions
I never give
That keep me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm getting old.
Keeps me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm getting old.

The older I get, the more I enjoy hearts of gold. I abhor conflict. With every waking day, the more repugnant shootings, acts of terror, sexual assaults, etc.- become.

If you're like me, as I/we age - and run into any act of 'ugly' (no matter the scale) I react like magnets repelling each other. Run away, scram, bootscoot, exit - stage left.

Give me the persistent smiles of friends like Mary, Ollie, Misty, Lynda, Terry, Jimmy, Kendra, Herbert (and many, many more.) Certain you've got friends like this as well. Red Rover red rover, send those friends (and more), and maybe Ray Charles, Buck O'Neil, Andy Griffith, Tom Hanks, Oprah, and let osmosis takeover.

I've been to Hollywood
I've been to Redwood
I crossed the ocean
for a heart of gold
I've been in my mind,
it's such a fine line
That keeps me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm getting old.
Keeps me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm getting old.

Old = choice, margin of error lessoned. Closed minded some might deem it, doesn't matter to me - 'poop' belongs in the restroom - and I choose to run from it any place else. Gimme the Sport's page (sans A-Rod/Braun, et al) and the FYI section, you can keep the main section that includes the atrocities.

Keep me searching
for a heart of gold
You keep me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm growing old.
I've been a miner
for a heart of gold.

Life is too short to worry about the stare a stranger might give. Thought a fool/speak, remove all doubt. Winging 'ugly' leaves scars. Growing old, the skin tends to resemble that of an alligator - all the better/thicker to deter yuck.

We are all human, imperfect - yuck happens, and sure, occasionally perpetuated by our own selves. Nonetheless, I believe we're basically all miners for a heart of gold.

Love, Victurd

Do overs....

Hey, maybe I'll dye my hair
Maybe I'll move somewhere
Maybe I'll get a car
Maybe I'll drive so far
They'll all lose track

Victor, are you going to do two blogs in a row on the same topic?

Mebbe. Seems we're amidst the "Get it right" era. MLB announcing they too will use Instant Replay to make corrections. Home makeovers. Body makeovers. Wrong turns, U-turns. Shoulda, woulda, coulda.

Me, I'll bounce right back
Maybe I'll sleep real late
Maybe I'll lose some weight
Maybe I'll clear my junk
Maybe I'll just get drunk on apple wine
Me, I'll be just

Fine and dandy
Lord it's like a hard candy Christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still I wont let
Sorrow bring me way down

Life with pen... not pencil/eraser.

Whiffle ball, circa 1961. Eight youths, most wearing jeans adorned with patches to cover the holes in the knees from past slides - sweating, living, loving - playing as if it were the 9th inning and we were Mantle... Maris.. Musial.. Mays... Aaron.. Gipson... Ford.. Berra... "OUT!".. "No, he was SAFE!".. "WAS NOT".. "WAS TOO".. With no umpires, after a heated profanity-less argument - it was mutually agreed - a "do over" was in order.

Ill be fine and dandy
Lord it's like a hard candy Christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still I wont let
Sorrow get me way down

Buddy at a bar the other day... "Wouldn't you give anything to be 18 again and have it to do allover?" Eh, I dunno, at age 60, I'm pretty tired! That sounds like work!

Little League World Series yesterday. Canada vs. Czech Republic. 1-0, Czech. Kid from Canada slides in home... cloud of dust.. "Yyyyyeerrrr OUT!"... Canadian coach disagreed. Home plate ump retreated to the dugout for a TV review... walks back out... extends his arms to give the "Safe" sign.. 1-1. Three pitches later, same thing. Kid slides in home.. "Yyyyyeerrrr OUT!"... Disagreed. Ump to dugout. Walks back out.. Smile/smirk on his face.. extends arms... "Safe"..

That's me, kinda. Do it all over again to get it right? Smile/smirk on face. Nah - it's been a great ride. Besides... I woulda never attended game 7 of the 1985 World Series. (Thanks DD).. No Solly Hemus, Billy Martin chin to chin with the ump.. I woulda never had the son I love. (Thanks MJTWBSL...sorry,an inside joke)..

Hey, maybe I'll learn to sew
Maybe I'll just lie low
Maybe I'll hit the bars
Maybe I'll count the stars until dawn
Me, I will go on

But Victor... you could have that 32" waistline you aspire to have. Nah, but thanks. Gimme a 300 burger.. some pulled pork... topped off by a bag of Chili Cheese Fritos.. downed with a 12-ouncer of MBL.

But Victor, that 401K perhaps wouldn't be 'laughable".. You are SO right on that, but nah.. I'm 60.. too tired to 'do over', attempt to get it right. I'll continue on, opting for "Always Save" (not really, next best thing, "Best Choice").. used cars with check engine lights.. and "The Beast" actually tastes pretty good to me.

Maybe I'll settle down
Maybe I'll just leave town
Maybe I'll have some fun
Maybe I'll meet someone
And make him mine
Me, I'll be just

Fine and dandy
Lord it's like a hard candy Christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still I wont let
Sorrow bring me way down

But Victor, you wouldn't have that scar under your eye where Jimmy Couch threw that bone at you.. and remember that time you ran to the front door, put your hand out as if to stiff-arm the glass door, you lost, the glass won and you got that scar inside your elbow? Yeah, I remember both - but it's life/memories from cherished times.

Scars from words said/heard.. Unfortunately, they're in ink. Can't be undone.

Ill be fine and dandy
Lord it's like a hard candy Christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still I wont let
Sorrow bring me way down

There's no going back to the 50's/60's.. and getting it any better.. How could you improve upon Matt Dillon, Hoss, Ben, Lil Joe, Andy, Barney, Opie, Here's Johnny.. Whiffle ball, kick the can, Chief's autographs when they're spotted in Safeway.. China, Archie, Ace, Grundy, Mabel, Stevick, Nail, Franklin, Ridgeview, LHS... not to mention the greatest musical era - ever. Yes, ever.

Ill be fine and dandy
Lord it's like a hard candy Christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still I wont let
Sorrow bring me way down

And WHAT to top the 70's/80's? Nicholson, Stallone, Gould/Sutherland, Streisand, Here's a story, of a man named Brady.. Royal's teams that won, often.. Archie/Edith.. Sigma Nu/WJC.. Childbearing/raising.. Personal wants/needs moved to the backseat.

Cause I'll be fine
(Ill be fine)
Oh, I'll be fine

And being 40, 50, 60? Do over? Nah, I'm too tired from all the fun I've had. I enjoy every wrinkle I've 'earned.'

But... but... but you could pick a different career? A different mate? Expand your friend base.. Not have to work into your 70's (the good Lord willing).. You could go back and buy NEW CARS instead?

I'm too tired. Me, I personally find water going under the bridge settling, calming, enjoyable. I don't think I ever scored 100 on a 'test' anyways.. No do over needed. I (and I hope you too) have loved life - even if the shirt occasionally bore an 'irregular' tag.. the choice was not the best.. missed answers on a test.

I've been fine and dandy. Whilst sure, the memories fade - blessed with "Instant reply" of life, past events, family/friends, jobs in my head.

"Yyyyyeerrrr OUT!"... Yeah.. you're right ump, I was. Too tired for a do over/replay.. .. nice call. Nice life.

Love, Victurd.

With every who I meet...

I been in the right place
But it must have been the wrong time
I'd of said the right thing
But I must have used the wrong line
I been in the right trip
But I must have used the wrong car
My head was in a bad place
And I'm wondering what it's good for

Topsy turvy this world can be. Highs, lows. Sickness, health. Choices, good/bad. Hot/cold. Fast, slow. Money, lack thereof. Happy.. and sure, sadness occasionally comes to everyone. Tears, good, bad & sad. Words, wonderful, occasionally hurtful. Thankfully, life/happy seemingly wins out.

I been the right place
But it must have been the wrong time
My head was in a bad place
But I'm having such a good time
I been running trying to get hung up in my mind
Got to give myself a little talking to this time

As I moved recently, from a 3 bedroom house to an apartment.... filled a 20 cube dumpster with 'that time'... Sad? Eh, nah. You live for years and don't see/forget treasures within your own household. Some things though, once treasured, not so much any longer. Did run across one very nice treasure, spared it from the dumpster...

Just need a little brain salad surgery
Got to cure this insecurity
I been in the wrong place
But it must have been the right time
I been in the right place
But it must have been the wrong song
I been in the right vein
But it seems like the wrong arm
I been in the right world
But it seems wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong

An 8 by 10 framed picture. My mother had a massive stroke at age 57... Her left side was afflicted. The doctor termed it "if you could imagine wearing a pair of glasses, and them having a patch over the lefthand side of each lens." Handwritten, completely on the right side of this framed piece of notebook paper, is "The secret to success in life is how one deals with Plan B." Prophetic.

Slipping, dodging ,sneaking
Creeping hiding out down the street
See me life shaking with every who I meet
Refried confusion is making itself clear
Wonder which way do I go to get on out of here

Childhood. High School. College. Work. Marriage. No, it ain't been perfect, but it's been pretty damn good, even awesome.. Am I envious of a chum who retires after a long, long career at the same job? No. I'm elated for them. My own vagabond tour has afforded me meeting, working with so many wonderful people. Am I jealous of a couple that's still together after all these years? For heaven's sake, no - I graciously applaud them and am thankful I've gotten the opportunity to observe... and I'm thankful for the time (and mates) I was lucky enough to be coupled.

I been in the right place
But it must have been the wrong time
I'd have said the right thing
But I must have used the wrong line
I'd a took the right road
But I must have took a wrong turn
Would have made the right move
But I made it at the wrong time
I been on the right road
But I must have used the wrong car
My head was in a good place
And I wonder what it's bad for

Buck O'Neil is one of my all-time heroes. Perhaps the most positive thinking person ever. You know the story - he played in the Negro Baseball league in a racially divided country - and was never afforded the opportunity to play in the Major Leagues (although he was the first African American to coach in the Majors.. ) The title of his book recounting it all? "I was right on time."

I am extremely grateful for every role model that's ever helped mold this goofy brain. Thanks mom. Thanks Buck. Yeah, even you too Dr. John. I been in the right place. Love, Victurd.

Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?

I'm old. Not old enough to have seen the worst, but I'm old enough to have seen sickening. Callaway County Courthouse, four restrooms, white men, colored men, white women, colored women.

I seen you 'round for a long long time
I really 'membered you when you drink my wine

Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?

I'm old enough to remember the local theater had a main floor, and a balcony, and if you weren't white, you couldn't sit on the main floor.

I seen you walkin' down in Chinatown
I called you but you could not look around

Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?

I think I remember (I very well could be wrong on the timing/actuality) our local swimming pool wouldn't allow anyone but white folks to swim, but of course, if the athletic skills of 'others' were great, "yes, you can play on our high school (football/basketball/wrestling) team, but no, you still can't swim here."

I bring my money to the welfare line
I see you standing in it every time

Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?

The recent "Sports Center" story of the racial slur by the Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver sickens me. I abhor, hate, vomit, at any kind of discrimination.

The color of your skin don't matter to me
As long as we can live in harmony

Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?

I get upset when anyone who isn't of Indian descent bemoans an 'intruder' to our country. I am of German, Irish, English, Indian descent. We all came/come from somewhere. Get over it. Are you special because you speak English and I don't? F that.

I'd kinda like to be the President
so I can show you how your money's spent

Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?

Anytime I read/see/hear discrimination, I have this great urge to relate to those discriminated against "NO!!!!! WE DON'T ALL FEEL THAT WAY!" People are people, screw grouping due to race, creed, size, age, economic status, heritage, etc.

Sometimes I don't speak too bright
but yet I know what I'm talking about

Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?

Long about the time I entered school (circa 1956), segregation had thankfully ended. I was lucky. I grew up with friends (every color), family, that stressed/demonstrated equality. No, it wasn't yet perfect, but we youths thankfully learned the right way.

I know you're working for the CIA
they wouldn't have you in the Mafia

Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?

Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?

Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?

I honestly think sometimes, if I were black, or very aged, or very obese, Asian, Hispanic, dreadfully poor, mentally impaired.... I might be dead now due to retribution.

Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?

Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?
Why can't we be friends?

On behalf of all mankind, if you've ever been on the receiving end of discrimination, I apologize. Please know I (and the very very very large majority of folks) love you, and I'm sorry.

Love, Victurd

The Big Chief Tablet...

Remember? The quest to stay between the lines - refrain from smudges, and make it legible (a word we didn't even know what it meant!)... Editor's note: being left-handed didn't help in the smudge department as the butt of my hand always dragged over to slur/blur the 'penmanship'! Symbolic mebbe?

Introduction to Life, 101. A blank canvas on the easel. However do will fill it? We must walk through life (those of us fortunate enough to be able to walk) and paint our lives. Some have wonderful guidance, many - none.

Turn here? Work there? What do I wanna be? Is it really possible to pick/find someone to spend the remainder of life with? How do you know?

Some write (right) their life better than others. Some don't care. Some are always happy. Some hate Mondays, and basically orgasm as the clock hits five on Friday afternoon.

Some keep every friend they ever made, some, burn bridges. Most have niches: religion, sports, books, politics, reality tv shows, quilting, baking, kayaking, biking, gardening, writing - things to occupy, fill up ole' Chief.

Children are born. Their own tablets, and the impact of (or not) parents (or grand parents) in guidance to stay between the lines. Force fed on how to fill it, or, live as you like - your call. Our household was pretty liberal, basically we could do whatever we wanted (within reason of course) but once we started it, we must finish it... (Well... "except sex " they said)...

That canvas goes from a good form of anxiety on how to fill it... occasionally, we find that we "wish we'd have written that portion of life in pencil, insteada ink" - but all tablets are filled with errors.

We start writing in life, and it's about "us.".. Midlife comes, it's about others. Aging comes, and there's an appreciation for rereading how our tablet of life has gone and the content within. Memories. The names. School chums, events. Work. Coworkers. Relatives, inlaws, and best friends - those all written in blood.

Our wrinkles are the frayed edges of Chief, our brown spots are the yellowing of aging paper. My grandmother wrote/denoted important events, births, weddings, even simple visits from family/friends, in her bible - her Big Chief. I guess a blog is a form of Big Chief, and remembering back to Mrs. Eldridge's class, I'll probably get another C+!

Saw some lifelong friends in WalMart yesterday... 11 different sizes of balls in their cart. "How many grandkids you have now?"...... "Eleven!"... That's a lotta balls. A lotta memories. A lotta tablets to fill, and a lotta names/events for their own tablet.

I wouldn't erase much. Made some turns, job decisions I shouldn't have. Can't spend money when you're dead... but, perhaps that too is a niche for some.

Hope you've enjoyed filling your tablet, guiding others as they fill theirs. Hopefully, a lotta pages left for us all. Do you think schools nowadays have "Big Chief pads"? Would certainly help avoid left-handed smudges.

The Big Chief notebook. Infancy, to youth, to adulthood, to parenting, grand parenting and beyond. I hope you've enjoyed/appreciated your Mondays within tablet/life. And sure, I hope somewhere along the way you too orgasmed at 5pm on a Friday.

Between the lines (most of my life... some rebel infused)..Love, Victurd.

Anticipation.....

"Waitin', waitin', waitin' for the Bluejays" (oh does that bring back memories.. locker room of the ole Liberty High School.. waiting to go up to play a basketball game... we was "pumped up higher than a 5 hour energy drink' before 5 hour energy drinks were cool! Yes, aware wrong 'tense' on 'was', sometimes, things done here on porpoise.

We can never know about the days to come
But we think about them anyway, yay
And I wonder if I'm really with you now
Or just chasin' after some finer day

Nah, this ain't about girl/boy, it's about anticipation. Tomorrow. Will the sun come out as that little redhead squeaked? Sixty, ya think of seventy, which is odd, because 10 ya never thought of 20.. 20/30, 30/40.. etc..

Anticipation, anticipation
Is makin' me late
Is keepin' me waitin'

190,000 mile car. Know I'll have to have another.. anticipatin' what kind. Also, checkenginelight, what will be the next purchase at Advance Auto, the corner mechanic shop, tire, fix it item.

Next time something said that doesn't sound so good to the ears... will we blurt/regret/show our ass, or... suck it in.. .think inwardly "man, I'm glad I'm not you." Patience hopefully looms large in reactions to anticipated actions.

And I tell you how easy it feels to be with you
And how right your arms feel around me
But I, I rehearsed those lines just late last night
When I was thinkin' about how right tonight might be

I've given up on 'that kind' of anticipation. Figure, if it happens, happens. If it doesn't, I'm cool. I much prefer being side-swiped, coming from leftfield. Hook, line, sinker. I anticipate, if it happens, I'll fall much to GD (easily) as the past has registered.

Waking up. How will this day turnout? Sure, we play a huge role in that determiner.. but I'm more intrigued by the folks around me.. the things they do/say... the eye candy (mind outta gutter, not what I mean) life affords.

Anticipation, anticipation
Is makin' me late
Is keepin' me waitin'

Christmas. Grandkids next "omg that's the cutest little turd on the planet' action. A grandchild's first step - and oh how I wanna be there. What words will be learned, uttered next?

The Chiefs? The Royal's record in August? The January 2014 company fiscal report on 2013.. Anticipation is the thirst for tomorrow, and the reminder to keep our eyes, ears wide open, and the corner of our mouths up.

And tomorrow we might not be together
I'm no prophet and I don't know nature's ways
So I'll try and see into your eyes right now
And stay right here 'cause these are the good old days

Eyes, no, not necessarily girl/boy eyes.. reaction.. reading... enjoying happy looks,
winging sympathetic looks back at down/sad looks.

(These are the good old days)
And stay right here 'cause these are the good old days
(These are the good old days)
(These are the good old days)
(These are the good old days)
(These are.....the good old days)

All along, I've said "One of the most amazing things to me, had you sat me down in High School and said 'Vic, now here's exactly how the next 42 years of your life are going to go' I woulda told you that you are nuts." Didn't anticipate this/that, but oh how many fun, deep wrinkles I've gotten from those good times, friends, relatives, loves.

Sunny sky the other day, BEAUTIFUL. Stopped by Happy Hour.. (NO Victor, not YOU!) Haha... Buddy at stool next to me says "welll..will you look at that rain?" Top down. Hadn't anticipated that.

Weather. Summers. Winters. Being 65. Walking in ten years, the good Lord willing. Flashforward to a grandkid's first day of school, little league game.

Pardon me boys (and girls), I so love life/anticipation. Bucket list diddys actually accomplished?

Victor, be a fountain, not a drain. The sun'll come out, tomorrow. Anticipation is keeping me waiting.....

With baited breath. Happy day, love Victurd.

USA

Yes, there are some things messed up in our country. We are in the era of political entitlement (not all, but in general).. We have too many random, mass slayings.. Industry/economics are cyclical. Divorce rates are up.. Single parents are raising children, often with no assistance. Heart attacks are on the rise.. as is murder, suicide..

But... this still is the greatest county in the world to live.

Freedom of speech. The right to assemble. Freedom of religion. Freedom of the press. Ok, 'that side', the right to bear arms. The right to equal justice. The right to own private property.

We can live anywhere. Travel anywhere. We select those that lead us.

A note of thanks to those here, those no longer here, who put their lives on the line to preserve our freedom. As I write, fireworks are going off in the background. Flags are up allover in towns in the US.

I'm thankful to be an American, living in the United States of America.

Below, I did a very quick study to reinforce the above statement to myself. The internet is the internet, so sure, if errors, or incorrect statements below, apologies. Still, some eye-openers.

Thailand.. drop gum on the pavement, you can be fined up to $600.

Insulting a religion: Sudan, 6 months plus 40 lashes...

Iran: Drinking alcohol.. Fines and 80 lashes for first time offenders.. repeat offenders are put to death..

Women cannot drive in Saudi Arabia.. Whilst this might make my daily drive to work on 435 safer, I still think a bit harsh.

Homosexuality... Yemen, Death penalty..

China... heavy taxation on parents who decide to have more than one child.

Public demonstrations are banned under legislation in Egypt.

In Iraq, Libya, Jordan, Morocco, Oman and Yemen, married women must have their husband’s written permission to travel abroad, and they may be prevented from doing so for any reason.

Video games.......... banned in Greece..

Swaziland... women are forbidden to wear clothing resembling menswear, and if one is caught in public displaying pants, they are subject to having them forcibly ripped off of them by soldiers, and humiliated.

Life expectancy in Sierra Leone is age 47.

Theft.. Right hands have been cut off at the wrist as punishment for theft in Sharia-controlled areas of Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia.

Minimum wage.. Armenia $86.20 per month.. Bangladesh $37 per month... Uzbekistan $40 per month.. Trinidad and Tobago $1.94 per hour... Sierra Leone $5.75 per month.. Singapore, none. Niger, $60 per month.

Adultery, stoned to death in Iran. Not that I'm advocating adultery... just "wow? really?"...

Happy day, Gob Bless the USA.. love, Victurd

The show must go on......

(Preface... written because some I very much love/loved, for who knows what reason, thought the show couldn't go on... and others, in their agonizing loss, must go on.. )

Empty spaces - what are we living for?
Abandoned places - I guess we know the score..
On and on!
Does anybody know what we are looking for?

There are seemingly a lot of us, occasionally lost out here. Situations, alone, usedta be, lost him/her/child/parent/sibling, some even still presently coupled (yet lost.)

Another hero - another mindless crime.
Behind the curtain, in the pantomime.
Hold the line!
Does anybody want to take it anymore?
The Show must go on!
The Show must go on!Yeah!
Inside my heart is breaking,
My make-up may be flaking,
But my smile, still, stays on!

And it should. When the heart breaks inside (ugly happens), the outside fortunately helps. Friends. Family. Kids. Grandkids. Coworkers. Neighbors. Funny things said, good/wonderful things seen.

Whatever happens, I'll leave it all to chance.
Another heartache - another failed romance.
On and on...
Does anybody know what we are living for?
I guess i'm learning
I must be warmer now..
I'll soon be turning, round the corner now.
Outside the dawn is breaking,
But inside in the dark I'm aching to be free!

I've been down, sure, but never EVER 'that' down. There's too much good here to enjoy life. Smiles make me smile. Laughter makes me feel good. Going to work, seeing the same faces, never gets mundane - they're appreciated. No, life is never eva' perfect a hunnerd percent of the time... but when's the last time four good outta ten happened? (Four hits in every ten at bats)... 1941.

The Show must go on!
The Show must go on! Yeah,yeah!
Ooh! Inside my heart is breaking!
My make-up may be flaking...
But my smile, still, stays on!
Yeah! oh oh oh

Yes, you've said that... and somehow, the first time you did, we cleared the hurdle - so

if you feel you're gonna break me/us down here, huh uh, dream on. Opening my eyes/ears, allows me to see/hear, life, in spite of yuck, is pretty darn good.

My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies,
Fairy tales of yesterday, will grow but never die,
I can fly, my friends!

Freddie, I enjoy your fervor, but this (flying) is pushing it. No, I can't get in and outta the car like I used to.. Yes, I have trouble keeping up with young punks when we're walking in someplace together... Yes, in the rare event I get a base hit in Sunday Night softball, we've fortunately got a conglomeration of 'sons' on our team that are all too happy to pinch run.

The Show must go on! Yeah!
The Show must go on!
I'll face it with a grin!
I'm never giving in!
On with the show!

Life's a book. Some pages, chapters, suck, but keep turning the pages into the bewilderment/wonder/awe of tomorrow.

I'll top the bill!
I'll overkill!
I have to find the will to carry on!
On with the,
On with the show!

Realization, yep.

The Show must go on.

And please don't you ever forget that. I've seen what happens, who is affected, when it's chosen to stop the show. Sometimes life really really really sucks. People (most), mindset, events, family, friends... so very many things - no matta' how tired, cranky, feeling bad, in the "give up" mode, money woes, lack of confidence/self like, etc.... The Show must go on... It's the only (right) choice...

The show has to go on.

Love, Victurd.

Just a second........

Seconds are the moments that become minutes, which become hours, days, years, a lifetime...

Second base is a two-bagger... Getting to second base is a form of adolescent experimentation, mixed with touch, growing parts.

Before the demise of the Soviet Union into all those funny spelled countries - they no likey'd 'second'. In the Olympics, if the US ever beat them in a team sport, headlines were "US next-to-last, Soviet Union second."

Second marriages can be grand even though it would be the second time one had said "till death do us part." Second place, in a marriage, ain't a very good thing, and inevitably ends that very second.

Driving into work (for the second time this weekend), national sportscaster praising Phil Mickelson.. Phil has taken second in the US Open I think like five times.. and announcer dude said "I really admire the fact (he's the present leader going into today's final round) he's not afraid to set himself up for failure again." (Last year, Michael Thompson and Graeme McDowell tied for second, receiving $695.916.00 each. I could only pray to fail like that.)

Seconds are a given at an all you can eat buffet.. grannies at Christmas time.. Aunt Ethel's apple pie.

I was second in line at Mickey D's the other day. There are two drive up lanes, which creates frustration, poppa vein behavior as the seconds add up. Guy in fronta me finishes his order.. starts pulling up toward the pay window.. gal in the second lane apparently had finished her order at the same time.. honks (loudly), sticks her head out the window and proclaims "YOU MORON, IT'S EVERY OTHER PERSON!"

"Just a second" can be said in various ways, indicating "I'm an old grump, calm down, leave me alone, I'll get to it wheneverinthehell I want to get to it", or, a loving way to say "Ok honey, give me a moment."

Line drive off Hosmer's bat, to the pitcher's head/ear in less than a second. At that point, the game was second.

Second in the speedy "20 items or less lane" at WallyWorld usually lends one to be behind someone who, either musta sucked in math at school - or, only cares about 'one', screw second, third, fourth person in line.

Seconds give us time to react, or not react... to think about hitting that "send" button, or not. A chance to keep the foot out of our mouth, or not, gulp.

Paradise by the Dashboard Lights, THAT, second. Lifechanger.

Second makes the want to be first, stronger. "Seconds" never grab the headlines, no one ever remembers 2nd place in Super Bowl, World Series, Stanley Cup, Olympics, Spelling Bee... Ms. America, etc. Second ain't bad though.

I better get to work, just wanted to take a second about seconds.

Victurd, I'll second that.

Love, Victurd

Oh the games people play now......

Oh the games people play now
Every night and every day now
Never meaning what they say now
Never saying what they mean

I love all people, I do, but some make it hard to do so. The above stanza... To me, it's all about evaluation. Some folks it's easy to see/evaluate/form opine fairly rapidly, others, it takes years. All'a that offset by the general belief initially "take 'em by their word."

And they wile away the hours
In their ivory towers
Till they're covered up with flowers
In the back of a black limousine

Eh, this does not compute. I'm just a common man, drive a common van, my dog ain't got no pedigree. (Victor, I think it's against blog rules to inter-mix two songs in one blog.) Then howabout, suffice to say, ivory towers, black limousine, it ain't me babe. Oops.

La-da da da da da da da
La-da da da da da de
Talking 'bout you and me
And the games people play

Oh we make one another cry
Break a heart then we say goodbye
Cross our hearts and we hope to die
That the other was to blame

My only experience here is being on the receiving end of goodbye, and the inferred (and believed) guilt instilled in me. "I was to blame." If this was a blog (ha ha) I would say "scroll to the title."

Neither one will give in
So we gaze at our eight by ten
Thinking 'bout the things that might have been
It's a dirty rotten shame

Too late, comes to mind, for staring at an eight by ten. One can only control their own feelings, actions. It's a dirty rotten shame, but life does go on, and in many cases, a perty decent hereafter.

People walking up to you
Singing glory halleluiah
And they're tryin to sock it to you
In the name of the Lord

They're gonna teach you how to meditate
Read your horoscope, cheat your faith
And further more to hell with hate
Come on and get on board

Again, this one's all about "sit back, evaluate." Never been a big fan of 'hawkers', be it the carnival, the side street in the big city, the slickster a knockin' on ur door, and, (don't shoot me) the ultra religious handing out pamphlets about my perceived path to hell. I prefer to observe lifelong folks/bonds - their faith.

Look around tell me what you see
What's happening to you and me
God grant me the serenity
To remember who I am

Cause you've given up your sanity
For your pride and your vanity
Turns you sad on humanity
And you don't give a da da da da da

Yes, sometimes the games people can play wear on you. Fortunately, age is the 'hockey goalie' to thwart this. Comfort. A vast majority of our life is making sure "we fit". Are "comfy". Don't "rock the boat" (sorry, a 4th song, I will do 100 sit-ups for doing so).. Bottom-line (geez Victor, we never thought you'd get here) in life, in games, in family, in relationships, in friends, in every day life - we, are the judge, jury and executioner of our own person.

Please don't allow the games people play to affect that. Or is that effect? Love, Victurd

Don't read, unless you're really bored, as this is really boring.

A preachment, dear friend
You are about to receive on John Barleycorn
Nicotine and the temptations of Eve

Yeah, pretty sure I've done that/this one before... oh well.. Old people are repetitive..

No parkin' by the sewer sign
Hot dog, my razors broke
Water drippin' up the spout
But I dont care, let it all hang out

Went into work today... five hours... semi-caught up.. Car has been hesitating to start in the am... bought a new battery at Wally World yest...... Made it to work today... made it back to town.. Piggly Wiggly for a bottle of pop and a jar of peanuts to take to my buddy's wonderful annual Memorial Day party...AHRUH.. ARUH.. ARuh.. aruh... click.. Dead battery. Hmmm. Alternator?

Hangin' from a pine tree by my knees
Sun is shinin' through the shade
Nobody knows what its all about
It's too much, man, let it all hang out

Made the half mile walk from Piggly Wiggly to home to Google howintheheck to change the alternator on my car.. Kinda understood.... afoot to auto parts store.. looking for shortcut (I'm old)..en route, lady was leaving a nearby assisted care facility, walking to her car.. I took an abrupt right thru their parking lot (in her direction) as I saw a back way/shortcut to auto part's store.. three ladies on front porch saw this, (scared, I think, thinking maybe I was gonna go jump her) .. "Sir.. are you looking for something?".. "Nah, my car just broke down at the Piggly Wiggly.. I'm walking to the auto part's store"... "Darn, sorry, good luck mister." (And bless them for having the courage to speak up, understood.)

Saw a man walkin' upside down
My T.V.s on the blink
Made Galileo look like a Boy Scout
Sorry 'bout that, let it all hang out

Auto parts store.. "Sir, for your make/model, there is a 90 amp, and a 120 amp alternator, it matters... do you know which it is?"... "No... I don't.. what do I need to do, would the VIN help?"... "Yes, we need the VIN." Afoot to Piggly Wiggly. Bouta twenty minute walk. And back to auto parts store (bouta twenty minute walk) with insurance card with VIN # on it."... "I'm sorry sir, but I can't tell from your VIN which one you need." "Darn, ok, I'll just go pull it off." So.. afoot to Piggly Wiggly, bouta twenty minute walk.

Sleep all day, drive all night
Brain my numb, can't stop now
For sure ain't no doubt
Keep an open mind, let it all hang out

Piggly Wiggly, at my car. Ain't got the right tools. Didn't wanna call buddy, called.. he, his wife came.. together, we didn't have the right tools.. tried jumping the car. Huh uh. Took battery to anudder auto parts store to charge.. They took me home. Oops. Keys still in car at Piggly Wiggly, no getty into apartment. Ran, caught them. "Sorry!" Friend/wife hitched me back to Piggly Wiggly.. back to apt.

It's rainin' inside a big brown moon
How does that mess you baby up, leg
Eatin' a Reuben sandwich with sauerkraut
Don't stop now, baby, let it all hang out

Alarm set early to have at again tomorrow. Will ride bicycle to Perky's for early am breakfast.. Swing by auto parts store for battery.. back to Piggly Wiggly.. Hopefully drive car to auto parts store, buy the appropriate 'breaker bar' tool.. hopefully pull alternator.. purchase new.. figure out whereintheheck the serpentine belt went up/down/over/under. And hopefully drive away, bicycle taking up 3/4's of the room in my matchbox car.

Let it all hang out
Let it all hang out
Let it all hang out

Fountain/drain. I didn't pay very much for my car. I haven't had car payments. My car has been a faithful, reliable servant for a long time. I have had/will have, two full days off (rare). I got to take my g-daughter to "Spacebound" (inflatable bounce house thingy) yesterday.. I am lucky.


Your (memorable) Memorial Day? Love, Victurd

Dust in the wind......

I close my eyes, only for a moment, and the moment's gone
All my dreams, pass before my eyes, a curiosity
Dust in the wind, all they are is dust in the wind

Fleeting, life is. Makes one want to scorn one's self for every bad mood.. every "nah, I'm too tired, I'm gonna stay home, you guys go have fun though"... Every urge to get up on the dance floor that ne'er went acted upon..
.
Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea
All we do, crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see

Family reunions.. Class reunions.. Marriage unions... Working buddies.. runnin' buddies.. memories die out.. We lose grandparents...... parents...... some day, it's our turn..

One day our only attachment to life here will be ancestry.com.

Dust in the wind, All we are is dust in the wind

Internal faith we must have, for one day no one will be here to remember us - we must live life so that we can remember our self as the best person we can be. Imperfect, human, but trying. (As always, I write to me, for me... hitchhikers welcome.)

Don't hang on, nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky
It slips away, all your money won't another minute buy

I have heard of folks announcing "ready to go." Sure, we'll all get there one day - until then, let's inspire. Let's love. Let's have fun. Go, do, laugh, live. We might one day hunch a bit, not be as tall.. all the better to see God's green earth. We might not go as fast - but would you rather be doing 73 in the left lane on Interstate - or 35 on a windy, hilly, scenic country road? Going slower? All the better to see more! The back way of life, color me there.

Dust in the wind, All we are is dust in the wind.

"...for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." Fleeting. Suck up the moments, the mems. Make more. Smile, give - enjoy. Look for good, swerve around evil, ugly, wrong. (And don't fear speaking up on those convictions. I am kinda [lovingly, I think] referred to as 'troublemaker' at work. Call me whatever, I see 'wrong', I'm vocal, passionate.) Wrong tangent, sorry, kinda.

Point is. We won't have our voice forever, use it wisely. (Victor, I've heard you say some pretty stupid things.. I know peanutbutter breath (oops, slipped, sorry, kinda), scroll to 'imperfect, human, but trying'.) Won't have our eyesight forever, go - see. One day we will have to have the radio, TV, loud to simply hear it - my vote, why not crank it now! Feel, love, hug, enjoy, smile.

Most of all, have a good day. It's the only May 18th, 2013 we'll ever have. Love, Victurd.

It was a very good year......

When I was seventeen
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for small town girls
And soft summer nights
Wed hide from the lights
On the village green
When I was seventeen

Kisses, first ever.. Wheels? You mean I can go anywhere I want, within reason? The Kuu Kuu.. Formal dances.. "mom, can you help me tie this dang thing?"... We were a 5 hour energy drink, way before it was invented.

When I was twenty-one
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for city girls
Who lived up the stair
With all that perfumed hair
And it came undone
When I was twenty-one

Sammy's... Shakey's.. Kelso's.. I'm an adult, but I'll worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.
Friend's getting married... friend's having babies.. the landscape is changing..

When I was thirty-five
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for blue-blooded girls
Of independent means
Wed ride in limousines
Their chauffeurs would drive
When I was thirty-five

Worries... Food on the table.. Corporate ladders.. Role modeling, all that matters. "NO, you can't have another candy bar, you'll never get to sleep.".. Somewhere amongst the hustle-bustle, "oh yeah, I love you, and now I remember why it's all worth it."

Now wait a minute...............

Frank... you went to fast.. the 40's... "so, I noticed you followed us home from graduation.. may I ask, your home, is that somewhere near where we live?"....College bills, back pills, sore feet ills.. Due to feeling horrific on Mondays "no thanks, I can't play in that basketball league on Sunday night this year -we're doing other things." The midriff has bulged. You're not a kid any more.

Fitties.. Screw the corporate ladder. Boss, leave me alone, and you'll be thankful for it. "Get off my ass (tailgater)"... AARP card, are you S#@ting me?.. The whim of 'not letting go of one's youth' and behavior alike leads to pulled muscles, torn this, separated that.. stubbed/broke/fell all this.

But now the days grow short
Im in the autumn of the year
And now I think of my life as vintage wine
from fine old kegs
from the brim to the dregs
And it poured sweet and clear
It was a very good year

Seated in the chair, hands clasped behind the head, elbows out, watching the youngn's about. The 'want' to retire is tempered by the "is it really gonna be over? I wanna enjoy these last years of work".. "Yes honey (Grandchild).. I know it's 7pm, but sure you can have another Snickers.. here.".. Enjoyment in watching our own children wiggle through (scroll to "When I was 35")..

Of the age "don't wanna".. "don't haveta".. "don't care (what you, or anyone thinks")... "Nope, I don't wanna do that."... No more: resume's... PTA/Back to School.. Driving to/from soccer, little league, volleyball, dance... Car pools, baby stools..

Don't need the Current River.. the inside (fast) lane on 435.. Decisions made about what we want/don't, when we want.. The glow, coming from sitting back, watching others relive the stages of our lives.. 17 = who cares about tomorrow. 21 = don't wake me up before noon. 35 = we've got to plan tomorrow, today.

Old fart: Tomorrow? Sorry.. I' busy taking in today.

It was a mess of good years.. Love, Victurd

The Kansas City Chiefs Training at William Jewell...

(sorry to do this blog style, but it's me, who I am)

Going to paste this on "I remember Liberty when" website on FB.. Started to do a generic post, ask for other's mems... realized I had too many and fer sure the 'read more' thingy would come up.


The dates I've come up with are 1963, their arrival in making the transition from the Dallas Texans, to the Kansas City Chiefs. Their departure in 1990 to River Falls, WI..


Some mems....... I luckily grew up across the street from WJC, so having the Chiefs in town, as a sport's lover, little kid - was heaven.


I have a kajillion autographs, Mike Garrett, Lenny, Buck, Otis, Willie, Jan, Jerrill, EJ, Emmitt, Ernie, Curley, Bobby, a plethora, and now have no idea where they are....


Some mems: Going to the adjacent WJC baseball field where they'd setup goalposts for Jan to kick field goals.. being on the receiving end of them... firing them back to him, and hearing that accent "nice spiral kid".. (A day maker)...


My hound dog wandering up to WJC... EJ Holub (then, a center) blocking on the 7 man sled as 'Brownie' growled, grabbed his butt... and EJ kept blocking, trying to flick him off.


Playing racquetball in Brown Gym.. hearing a gentle rap on the door... open... "Mr Stram would like to play now"... ok


Jon Gilliam and Curley Culp wrestling in the basement of Brown on their way after practice... a huge welding tank tipped over on Curley's foot... missed the next game due to "injury suffered in practice."


Lived on Miller Street. Curfew was 10pm. 9:55pm, nightly, big, fancy cars would speed up our 25 mph street at 70 mph so they wouldn't miss curfew.


George Toma, and how he had the fields looking perfect.


The Corner Bar (I was older)... teammate asked Pete Beatherd (QB) to get him a bag of peanuts... he did.. guy said "just throw it to me"... Pete said "no... someone would probably intercept it"..


A wonderful time in my life. Would love to hear any mems you might have.

Love, Victurd

Fetal pig.......

I remember 7th grade... My love for Science (enter I-, I+ here... for you young punks, dat ain't good).. Mr. Karstens... so serious... the little aluminum trays... filled halfway with wax.. the pins.. our Exacto's... and the pig... the dead, fetal pig.

Dissection. The song below, I think, is a love song. I dissected the hell out of it, because today has been one'a them days, "hit by a pitch", get ursass up, dust off... and carry on. Mebbe like Formaldehyde, yuck, good friends, and 7th grade hormones can do to one's self - yet still, the urge to shout.

Strangely, a buddy recently asked (on FB) "what song makes you want to get up and dance?"... and I answered this one... but with disclaimer tonight.

We-eee-eeel....
You know you make me wanna (Shout!)
Kick my heels up and (Shout!)
Throw my hands up and (Shout!)
Throw my head back and (Shout!)
Come on now (Shout!)
Don't forget to say you will
Don't forget to say, yeah )
You got it, now!

Ever wake up, grab the FYI section, u see "Two Stars" (outta 5) on the Horoscope.. and it played out? Uh huh, me too. I try to live life like 'a blocking dummy'. You get your ass knocked down, you smile, you wipe urself down, you get back up, and you prepare again.

(Say) come on now
(Say) come on now
(Say) come on now
(Say) come on now
(Say) I still remember
(Shooby-doo-wop-do-wop-wop-wop-wop)

Today, events led to "you know you make me wanna shout".. no, not clap hands, no, not say "yeah yeah", and huh uh, not "aaaalll-right"."... Emailed someone fairly significant in the past, braggadociously about the wonderful events going on with someone fairly significant to us.. emailed 8 paragraphs of praise to fairly significant about fairly significant. Imagine my excitement (you know you make me want to shout) at the lovely reply "All's good." Uh huh, what I thought.

You know you make me wanna
(Shout-wooo) hey-yeah
(Shout-wooo) yeah-yeah-yeah
(Shout-wooo) aaaalll-right
(Shout-wooo) aaaalll-right
(Shout-wooo) come on now!
(Shout) come on now!
(Shout) yeah, yeah, yeah
(Shout) yeah, yeah, yeah (good sound)
(Shout) yeah, yeah, yeah (good sound)
(Shout) yeah, yeah, yeah (good sound)
(Shout) all-alright (good sound)
(Shout) it's all-alright (good sound)
(Shout) all-alright (good sound)
(Shout) all-alright (aah)

Now wai-a-ait a minute!
I feel aaaaaaallllllright!
(Yeah-Yeah, Yeah-Yeah!)
(OOOOOOOOW)

Now wai-a-ait a minute... More than you wanted to know.. Moved desk at work 300 yards to a trailer.(mandated).. "ok".. .. 11 years of crap hand-carried to my new 'home'... GD (Gosh darn) new computer, new Windows addition, a challenge for us aged ones.. 5 huge cardboard boxes of 11 years of junk, surrounding me.

Now, former 12 foot L shaped desk with boo-koo filing room replaced by 5 foot desk with filing space for a bologna sannich and a bag'a chips.

You know you make me wanna
(Shout-wooo) lift my heels up and
(Shout-wooo) throw my head back and
(Shout-wooo) kick my heels up and
(Shout-wooo) come on now
(Shout-wooo) take it easy
(Shout-wooo) take it easy
(Shout-wooo) take it easy (higher)

At exactly 22 minutes after 8am, I finally found the icon to login, let 'em know "I'm here". 9am, boss, two steps up from me emails me three times asking for help on some junk. 10am, phone rings, caller ID tells me "boss, two steps up" on phone. "Hello".. "You here?"... "Yes"... "SLEEPING?"... long pause... (A couple of weeks ago, I'd emailed him about a financially critical looming thing about one of our vendors... his email reply, "not important.. I haven't got time for this". .. (You know you make me want to shout)... so.......... I said "I haven't got time for this".. (I was looking for job when I got this one, too old for this crap.. know him, love him, but he makes me want to shout upon occasion)...

(Shout) a little bit softer now (wooo)
(Shout) a little bit softer now
(Shout) a little bit softer now
(Shout) a little bit softer now
(Shout) a little bit softer now
(Shout) a little bit softer now
(Shout) a little bit softer now
(Shout) a little bit softer now
(Shout) a little bit softer now
(Shout) a little bit softer now
(Shout) a little bit softer now
(Shout) a little bit softer now
(Shout) a little bit softer now
(Shout) a little bit softer now
(Shout) a little bit softer now
(Shout) a little bit softer now
(Shout) a little bit softer now

Ok, I will. Then I took it all in. The view from my new chair/desk. The fact I still have a wonderful job. Kid, grandkids. The fact my car runs, my arms, legs, eyes, hands, mouth - work. The fact that I see/observe "slobbery nice" (I think is how that one political party puts it.).. The fact that once again, even in s-h-i-t, life ain't bad.

(Shout) a little bit louder now
(Shout) a little bit louder now
(Shout) a little bit louder now (ooo)
(Shout) a little bit louder now
(Shout) a little bit louder now
(Shout) a little bit louder now
(Shout) a little bit louder now (wooo)
(Shout) a little bit louder now (wooo)
(Shout) a little bit louder now (wooo)
(Shout) a little bit louder now (wooo)
(Shout) a little bit louder now (wooo)
(Shout) a little bit louder now
(Shout)
Hey-Hey-A-Hey
(Hey-Hey-A-Hey)
Hey-A-Hey-A
(Hey-A-Hey-A)
Hey-A-Hey-A)
(Hey-A-Hey-A)
Hey-A-A-Hey)
(Hey-A-A-Hey)

Coming home tonight, finally actually playing this on youtube.. the shout of woe, turns to the shout of wooo, hey-hey-a-hey.

Jump Now!
Jump up and shout now (wooo)
Jump up and shout now (wooo)
Jump up and shout now (wooo)
Jump up and shout now (wooo)
Jump up and shout now (wooo)
Everybody shout now
Everybody shout now
Everybody, shout, shout
Shout, shout, shout
Shout, shout, shou-out
Shout, shout, shou-out
Shout, shout, shout, shout (oh-whoa-yeah)
Shout, shout, shout, shout (oh yeah)
Shout, shout, shout, shout
Everybody shout now (ooo)

I am an idiot, but you knew that. I abhor folks that come here (FB) diss friends, loved ones,life's events et al (bare ass, so to speak). And then I shout about it too. Oh well. We all, I reckon, have those "shout" days... Most of us move on.. smile, keep our yap shut... Others, might go to Happy Hour, come home and blog... get up the next morning and regret it.......

You know you make me want to shout..........

Love, Victurd

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
If I shall die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen.

Tumultuous week. "WHY?"... "OMFG!"... "NOOOOOOO!"... "WHAT'S WRONG WITH PEOPLE?"

Begs to one day be able to state "I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!" (in a POSITIVE way, from a breathtaking, happy, celebratory event, happening)....

Tragedy only festers "I'm going 60 in 55 mph zone, will you get the hell off my ass"... "But boss, we've had an incredible year... WHY impose these piddly ass rules NOW?" 4/15/2013. Uncle Sam? REALLY?

Malady... The urge to slam on the brakes.......... walk.......walk sheepishly to HR with "can u put annuder fitty a pay period towards Federal".. are fortunately eased by music. ('specially if you're an old [single] fart like me, I highly recommend it as 'replacement, fill in the blank, time passer, mood easer' for whatshername, whatshisname...)

Now I lay me down sleep... in an hour and a half......... With all the 'ends' unfortunately brought this week.. thought.. "hmmm.. what would be, if asked, the last ten songs I would wanna listen to be?"....

I am certain the list would change from night to night, week to week... but tonight's list included Chapman, Petty, Cash, Clapton, Russell, Beatles, Stones, Zevon, Cline, Isley Brothers (and one by one, I cranked, 'felt')

Music heals. Music soothes. Music brings out lost feel. Music, for our diversity, is like opening the fridge and choosing. Eases... happify's, if that ain't a word, should be... tape, to hold days together... tonic, to recalling past happy times... an eiixer, reminder - life is pretty good.

(And today's Peanut Butter Parfait was topped off with hugs/loves from the grandbabies)

Love, Victurd

Melody and malady....

The beat goes on, the beat goes on
Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain
La de da de de, la de da de da

Coach asked about how playing basketball in a mammoth football stadium would affect his players.. Small dirt track owner criticized about the track conditions by some drivers because he poured 200 (free) loads of dirt on the track... Opening day, baseball.."Coach - 40 degrees, how can your players handle that?"

Charleston was once the rage, uh huh
History has turned the page, uh huh
The mini skirts the current thing, uh huh
Teenybopper is our newborn king, uh huh

The beat goes on, the beat goes on
Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain
La de da de de, la de da de da

"They're (the other team) playing in the same arena"... "Every driver is driving on the same track"... "Sure, we'll be cold, but the other guys have to play in the cold too."

The grocery store's the super mart, uh huh
Little girls still break their hearts, uh huh
And men still keep on marching off to war
Electrically they keep a baseball score

The beat goes on, the beat goes on
Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain
La de da de de, la de da de da

For many individuals, life, ain't necessarily the same battlefield. Treading, not equal. Malady happens for a good portion of folks, in various ways.. The field can be slanted. Affliction happens. Emotions overtake. "Not fair" harkened by some.. Stone silence, inner dealing, by others. chronic.. deep-seated.. undesirable.. indisposed... The view, the trek, is just simply not the same.

Grandmas sit in chairs and reminisce
Boys keep chasing girls to get a kiss
The cars keep going faster all the time
Bums still cry "hey buddy, have you got a dime"

The beat goes on, the beat goes on
Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain
La de da de de, la de da de da

I write to me for me, hitchhikers welcome. Remember to give a smile. Touch a shoulder. Open a door. Answer the phone like you'd like to have it answered for you. Boost. Compliment. For some, it's certain the beat is almost unbearable - and much of the time, that's impossible to detect.

The beat goes on, the beat goes on
Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain
La de da de de, la de da de da

Be happy, it's contagious. Love, Victurd

I believe in you.......

I've maybe done this one before.. 1,100 some blog posts...too lazy to go back thru and peek... sorry!

Too "gooda" song/lyrics not to revisit. Some of the most fun (I've found) is revisiting in life.

I don't believe in superstars,
Organic food and foreign cars.
I don't believe the price of gold;
The certainty of growing old.
That right is right and left is wrong,
That north and south can't get along.
That east is east and west is west.
And being first is always best.

I believe we all see the same things... have the same "views from our shoes"... we just deduct differently, our own way..

But I believe in love.
I believe in babies.
I believe in Mom and Dad.
And I believe in you.

Small business.. mom and pop stores... puppies... exuberant kids... the sound of the morning paper hitting the sidewalk. that first smile "hi, howya doing?" to those we see daily, and appreciate so.... "in vogue", be it fashion, TV shows, the current top sport, goings on of a loved one, friend, current events...

Well, I don't believe that heaven waits,
For only those who congregate.
I like to think of God as love:
He's down below, He's up above.
He's watching people everywhere.
He knows who does and doesn't care.
And I'm an ordinary man,
Sometimes I wonder who I am.

We all question ourselves.. our actions... reactions... our 'place', and our "is this where I should be?"... Our ups, downs...... jubilation.... the want to go hide in the corner... shut the alarm off, hibernate... sorry Dr. Laura, our 'no want' to "Take on the day" (occasionally)..

But I believe in love.
I believe in music.
I believe in magic.
And I believe in you.

I do believe in you... my family.. my friend... my coworker.. my child...my grandchildren... my esteemed "athlete/writer/actor/actress/teacher/coach/boss/yada"... you give me hope...

I know with all my certainty,
What's going on with you and me,
Is a good thing.
It's true, I believe in you.

My FB friend... the lady whose register I always swing thru at the Piggly Wiggly.. Friends, infrequent in crossing paths from yesteryear, but when we do -'yesterday' fast-fowards/flashes thru the brain in millisecond - and out comes the 'smile'/reflection....

I don't believe virginity,
Is as common as it used to be.
In working days and sleeping nights,
That black is black and white is white.
That Superman and Robin Hood,
Are still alive in Hollywood.
That gasoline's in short supply,
The rising cost of getting by.

Christmas.. Santa.. The Easter Bunny.. The Tooth Fairy.. Nursery Rhymes... That an easy girl isn't amazing, and an amazing girl isn't easy.. and..costs to live nowadays.. .we share, in struggle...

But I believe in love.
I believe in old folks.
I believe in children.
I believe in you.

Nuff said - what better.

I believe in love.
I believe in babies.
I believe in Mom and Dad.
And I believe in you.

I write to me, for me... hitchhikers welcome. Victor... when those eyes are opened, select. Select to see good. It's out there. Prevalent. Don't fret about what you don't have... Cherish what you do..and thats a lot.

Love, Victurd.

Snow, then, snow, now........

"MOM, did you see it, did you see it?.. 4, 5 & 9, yep, each one! NO SCHOOL!"

"Yuck... oh well... at least I've got 12 choices of reality shows... 8 college basketball games, 4 different Two and a Half Men episodes, Repo games, Sportscenter and the Insanity workout as choices."

---------------------------------------------------------------

"Can I go sleddin'? The Flanigans are already outside?!!!"

"Yes, cat. I think I will emulate you today. Persnickety, and "ugh"."

---------------------------------------------------------------

"THAT, was fun! Tim Flanigan made it the furthest... From the tip top of Jewell Hall, all the way to 312 Franklin Street!.. Is the hot chocolate ready?"

"Closing these damn shades... I can't take the brightness... I guess it's GD (gosh darn) Raisin Bran insteada the Perkins '55 Plus Classic Egg Favorite."

--------------------------------------------------------------

"Hey mom, can the Flanigan's come in and play? Will you make us homemade snow ice cream?"

"I've had twelve cups of coffee. Gotta pee. Just smoked my last cig. It's 75' from here to the car, and 8" of snow in between. Decisions, decisions."

-------------------------------------------------------------

"Hey, we're gonna go in the front yard and make an igloo. Can I get a dry pair'a gloves, and is it ok if I put on a dry pair of jeans? I'll use the ones with the patches on the knees."

"Got my cigs. My feet are freezing. Warm bath, nap ahead."

--------------------------------------------------------------

"MOM! It's so cool... COME LOOK! Even Gabe (our hound) got in the igloo with us!"

"GD (gosh darn) cat. Just when I'd snoozed off, you felt the GD (gosh darn) urge to nap on my forehead."

--------------------------------------------------------------

"I sure hope Dan Henry has good news for us again tomorrow morning! Is that Chili I smell cooking? Do we have some Fritos to dip in with it?"

"I've sat at this damn computer for almost four hours now... read, reread every FB post, twice. Forwarded six goofy emails. I can't believe I'm saying this - I'd almost rather be at work."

-------------------------------------------------------------

"Dad, that inner tube in the basement from the '58 Buick.. can we use it?"


"I'm comforted by the fact my son didn't have to work, be out in this, and that I know my grandbabies are warmly dressed."

-------------------------------------------------------------

"THANKS mom/dad... this day has been THE BEST! I know we'll have to make up the snow day, but I hope we get 7 more inches so we can do it all again tomorrow!"

"Scottsdale...... Fort Myers... Padre Island... San Diego.... hurry Spring... PLEASE?"

------------------------------------------------------------

"Thanks for the fire in the fireplace dad!.. I can feel my toes now! YAY!"

"Oh SNAP. Power out. GD (gosh darn) electric heat. I can't feel my fingers it's so cold."

------------------------------------------------------------

Oh the weather outside is frightful... But the fire is so delightful.. And since we've no place to go... Let is snow, let it snow, let it snow....


Oh happy day, oh to be a kid again... Love, Victurd.

Fun = Life, Life = Fun

Fun....

Little word, looms large. It's fun, watching folks have fun.

Fun is happy, light, special - unique to individuals, groups, families.. events, celebrations - even remembrances...

I work with a guy who is head over heels for his lady friend of 5 years. "Vic, she just makes everything in life more fun." Cool. Example.. She had an eyeball that was slightly off center.. worsened over the years...... so..... she went, had surgery. Of course my buddy accompanied her, made sure she made back home ok.. drove back into work... and when he got home, there she was with patch over eye, wearing a pirate outfit/hat, complete with parrot on her shoulder. Coulda been "oh woe is me"
lying in bed, yet - she chose fun.

Cousin posted a short video of her great niece/nephew, who obviously have learned "fun can happen anywhere." Yes, there they were, aisle 7 of Home Depot, dancing, spinning - partaking in fun - for no particular reason. I mean like, isn't that what Aisle 7 of life is for?

I once heard a lady say "oh, I don't know how one can go through life laughing, acting silly all the time... it actually kinda disgusts me." Kinda reminds me how much fun "pissing in cornflakes" sounds.

Fun brings laughter, titillation, exhilaration - thus, I would think good for the circulatory system. Fun lends smiles, thus, prettier/more handsome youths and adults alike.

Yes, seriousness can and does have to happen - but even in that, there are windows where fun can assist.

Fun brings families, groups, individuals together. Fun weaves a bond. Fun brings on feel good, and ain't that kinda the nature of this game?

Fun is contagious - witness forwarded email silly's... trite, light posts and shares on FB. We each immerse ourselves with what we find, brings us - fun.

“I know it is wet and the sun is not sunny, but we can have lots of good fun that is funny.” Dr. Suess, Cat In The Hat.

“It ain't no fun if the homies can't have none. ” Snoop Dogg.

“So, have a little fun. Soon enough you'll be dead and burning in Hell with the rest of your family.” George Carlin.

“Rules should always be bent, if not broken. It's the only way to have any fun.” Alyson Noel.

I remember, in times it was evident a family member wasn't to be with us much longer - it's been kind of an unsaid family rule to upon occasion, mix in fun, a funny. The person on the way out wanted it that way. Me too whenever that time comes, I could only be so honored. In the meantime:

Worlds of Fun. Fun happens. I can't remember when i've had to much fun. THAT, was fun.

I had so much fun in college, I think my brain might got stuck there. Our fraternity's little song diddy is unique to our fraternity, but not unlike any other frat, or group, or family:

Us Sigma Nus, we like to live, but when it comes to die,
You'll never hear us moan and groan, you'll never hear us sigh
We'll walk right up to the pearly gates, you bet your ass we do,
For at the gates we meet St. Pete, and he's a Sigma Nu!

Meantime, I hope you/I/us all have some fun. Love, Victurd.

I'm weird........

but you knew that.....

As I hacked and coughed my way down the apartment stairs to my car this morning... I decided to check my mailbox en route. It's an 8 inch tall, 3 inch wide mailbox, that if not checked every couple days certainly causes the mailman consternation.

On this morning, I had one letter. It certainly looked official, so I opened it, and lo and behold, it was a sale's pitch for life insurance...

As I drove to work... I asked myself, "if you suddenly keel Victor, is everything in order, planned, paid for?" and I am reasonably sure it is. Then, I asked myself "have you decided between a small service (and kegger after) or cremation?"... And I'm still not sure. Guess that should best be decided huh?

I continued........ "If you do have a service, whointhehell would be your pallbearers?"

Wow... Good question.. I guess not to hurt their arms, I should probably plan on six...

The first, two, three names came easily. Then it was a struggle.. I communicate with two of the three pretty regularly... I finally got to five... then ultimately figured the sixth..

Then I asked myself "Victor, what kind of friend have you been, if you would consider asking these people... and it's been awhile since you called, emailed, written, texted.. communicated just how important they've been in ur life?"

And I felt sheepish.

Reminders.

Sure, gruesome to think of one's own demise - but too, puts things in perspective.

I write to me, for me... hitchhikers welcome.

Message is, let those in your life who bear importance, whom you are very thankful for the interrelationship, know.

Going to bed now. The good Lord willing, I will awaken, and if I do, I plan to somehow 'touch' all six soon.

You?

Love, Victurd.

Ah the beauty of freshly fallen snow.

That's BS (from these galoshes anyways). Yes, snow is pretty, from indoors.

You are certainly entitled to your opine, me mine. Move to Colorado if you like (nuttin' personal Mike Einerson, know how much you love it there), love visiting/viewing, but ain't no hangers for my hat there.

I literally HATE driving in this stuff. Ever grind your teeth? (Ever eat a pine tree?).. I get more muscle exercise driving in the snow than an hour on any damn elliptical machine.

You! You one car length behind me at 35 mph in four inches of snow, you're an idiot! (Sorry, slipped)...

Usedta love sledding, there was hot chocolate reward awaiting. Usedta love snow skiing, been awhile, but last time I went I was old enough to envision hip replacement with each and every exit off the lift at the top of the mountain.

COLD! Snow is GD (gosh darn) COLD! "To the bone" as we age. Patooey. Speaking of bone (with apologies to those that maybe usedta like me, and of course to my embarrassed relatives), EVER PEED IN COLD WEATHER? "Now whereinthehell did it go? I KNOW it's in there somewhere!"... Sorry, kinda.

Gloves. Whereinthehell is the other glove? I am organizationally challenged (And I swear to God dryers eat socks... To heck with you for laughing at me cause my socks don't match, I've got a pair just like 'em in my drawer at home!)..

When's the last time you gotta call "hey, wanna go play in the snow?" Uh huh, what I said.

Give me April, May, June, July and August. Ok, don't feel left out September, you're ok too.

I hate (yes, I know it's a strong word), I hate shoveling snow... snow melt.. scraping windshields.. jumping onto plastic car seats in 5 degree weather... MUSH thrown at my windshield from 4 wheel drive soccer mom's vehicle in the next lane. Yuck, patooey.

Victor, had you not job-hopped, stayed, and invested in your 401K better you could be in Phoenix chasing other raisins right now? Bite me, and you and the sled you came in on.

Short one today, mebbe pun intended. Happy New Year, travel safely, and don't worry about my gloveless hand getting frostbite, I'll put a sock on it if need be.

Going to take a xanax now, hopefully that (and Springtime) will help me put a sock on all this bitching.

Slip sliding away, love, Victurd.

Simon says........

A winter's day
In a deep and dark December;
I am alone,
Gazing from my window to the streets below
On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

Weird, to me, that sometimes when we seek, crave, desire 'others', be it relationship-wise, friendship-wise, we resort, resign to being alone.

I've built walls,
A fortress deep and mighty,
That none may penetrate.
I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain.
It's laughter and it's loving I disdain.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

We tell ourselves "it's ok, I didn't need/want that anyways."

Don't talk of love,
But I've heard the words before;
It's sleeping in my memory.
I won't disturb the slumber of feelings that have died.
If I never loved I never would have cried.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

Sometimes hard to cipher Simon. Not sure if he's giving up, or, wanting so badly.

I have my books
And my poetry to protect me;
I am shielded in my armor,
Hiding in my room, safe within my womb.
I touch no one and no one touches me.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

Pain (and much good) come from relationships. Alone too causes pain, but perhaps
it's sometimes easier to absorb that kind rather than having to wade thru the other kind.

And a rock feels no pain;
And an island never cries.

Crying happens on islands too, it's just not as easily heard. One too can be 'mated' and so alone. Seen it (others). Been it. Tires spinning on ice. Walking into a 40 mph wind.

I/we, could give up. Some do. I won't. Ever. (And getting out has nothing to do with me just smoking my last cig... Just like going to the gym has nothing to do with spandex.)

May you be a rock in 2013. Sure, hurts. Sure, causes pain. Visiting an island can be very therapeutic. Living there, not so much.

Happy day, Victurd.

A short one on 'that word.'

I kinda purposely entitled this "that word" insteada what I was gonna: "Shit" -primarily because I've many, many friends, relatives who might see that, and would be kinda in shock... disbelief, incredulous perhaps - some, and "really?" others. . And, the immediate 'look on their face' would be akin to.. "no shit Victor?" So yes, "shit".

I'ma guessin' a vast 90 percenta us have spewed that word a time or two in our lifetime.. and many, with certain frequency. And just think, without shit, we wouldn't be here today.

"Shit happens" - we say that to remind us, as we traverse the rollercoaster of life - We wouldn't have "good" without "goo"... No matter how well planned out, intended, hopeful - shit happens.

Whilst I (of course) NEVER-EVER, I remember the phrase from back in the longhaired reasonably freakish days - exhaled and said at a very high pitch "good shit." Which, always kinda puzzled me, as I never graded mine, nor knew there even were grades for shit.

Although.. our fraternity house in college was disgusting... and that's kinda just the way we liked it. The second floor squatter.. We kept a sign, scotch tape nearby, and whenever a brother had one that was "omg, I've never seen one that long" we'd affix the sign "The King" to the commode, and it warranted the 'lid open, no flushing for three days' rule. Proud. Sick? Sure.. but proud.

I recently watched a rather humerous video of a man dressed up in a 'snow man' outfit, outside a retail establishment... and he went from "still, lifeless.... immobile", 'that's there simply for the merriment of winter', 'it's like an ornament, statue.. it's 'fixed'.. to ALLOFASUDDEN he'd "swivel" and turn toward the unsuspecting (NOW STUNNED) walker-by.. after watching a about thirty different (pardon the pun) "scared shitless" folk's reactions - "SHIT" seemed to be the most popular verbal reaction to the 'statue's sudden movement. Shit's a valuable, useful word..

Shit saves. The folks above were scared. Shit saves. That feel you get, like I had in winter time yesterday... you're behind the wheel, two hands on the wheel, in control.. and allofasudden the winter conditions of the road take the car completely out of your control.. brakes don't help.. turning the steering wheel it useless.. so insteada yelling "FOR BEHOOGITY SAKES, WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE! GIVE MY GEORGE BRETT AUTOGRAPHS TO MY FIRSTBORN GRANDSON, MY SAVINGS ACCOUNT TO AUBRIE, AND REMEMBER: CREMATION, DUMP MY ASHES ON THE CITY PARK BALLFIELD!!!!"... instead, we simply say "SHIT"... shit saves, encapsulates.

"I don't give a shit"... is good for rebellion... "had it up to here" at work, in marriage, in 'friendship'.. or, a 'so what?' to one's disbelief of "are you really gonna do that?"

Shit/shinola enables us to explain, designate stupid people.

"Don't stink", as in "he/she doesn't think his/her shit stinks." Whilst, in marriage, I was never in attendance in the restroom with her 'during', I do remember going in shortly after, and can attest to "yes... shit stinks....his, hers, everyone's"

"WHY.. YOU LITTLE SHIT!!" is a reactionary that allows us to "get back" at youthful rebellion. It's usually said with smile... and draws a smile. I guess you could even say "funny shit"..

"Funny shit" is also a common reply to an email a friend has sent u that nearly makes one pee our pants, laugh aloud over the toppa the cubicle.

"Holy shit" has nothing to do with religion - rather it's said to something we've seen in disbelief. "Are you shitting me" has nothing to do with a person/rectum, again, it too is the disbelief thing.

It is said "when you're up to your nose in shit, keep your mouth shut." There's cocky shit, shitheads, bullshit, cowshit, horseshit, piles of shit, looking "the shit"...

In real life, and in vernacular, we could never exist without shit. At age sixty "I don't care what you/people, think." Forty years ago I mighta termed it "I don't give a..............." No shit.

I've always blogged about shit, just never specifically. Sorry... kinda.

Love, Victurd.

Sorry...... bored...

Before I die..... I wanna...

I wanna cry... (Crying can be a very good thing)

I'd love to see Dems/Repubs agree on something for the betterment of our people/county.

I'd like to see some type of advanced technology that would not allow cars to get in accidents..

I'd love for kids born today, when they reach my age to know as much about cancer as I know about WWI (ie, in the past, long ago, a distant memory.)

Selfishly, I'd love to retire, and have enough to get by..

I'm going to try to tell every nice smile I see, "nice smile." Try to remember, whenever someone asks "how was your day... how you doin'... how you been" - answer, thank for asking, and reciprocate with "and you?" (I forget to do this sometimes, and a very bad habit.)

I want to have fun. Go. Do. Live. Love.

Attend my grandkid's school programs, athletic contests, Baptisms...

I promise to portray 'happy' on the outside, even though life lends us "that just ain't always the case."

See Missouri kick Kansas's butt again (in any sport)

I will continue to enjoy ogling at every nice derriere I see. Color me, as well as my fellow male brethren, pigs.

Eat a 300 burger, a Stroud's chicken breast, a Jack Stack "Pour Russ" pulled pork sandwich... go see a movie (it's been years)..

Attend a Royal's and a Chief's playoff game.

Track down those I love/remember-so, before either of us show up in the obits.

Be an ordinary Joe, which could be defined as "won't ever lay a hand on a woman... won't rob/steal/cheat... won't say things detrimental to a person/their character.. *demonstrate patience." *(Qualifier) Except for vendors with an attitude, sorry, that gets my goat.

Have a dog, and a cat again someday.

Continue to write, no matter how many eyeballs don't show up. I write because me no likey telephone, and me no livey with anyone - so it's my backwards means of 'conversation'...

I wanna see Cooperstown... the Rolling Stones.. a week of "no hurry" in Washington DC. Make it back to Maui with a devoted one (Victor, that's borderline saying things detrimental to a person/their character)... sorry..... slipped.

See humor. Hear humor. Pass humor on. Laugh. A lot.

Not be a burden to any one, ever.

Get laid. Sorry... scroll to male brethren, pigs. Slipped.

That, for this fleeting, current moment, is my bucket list....

Almost forgot........ "and yours?"

Love, Victurd.

There is a lot to be thankful for....

I am thankful for our troops everywhere in the world who sacrifice so that our great country can maintain freedom.

Smiles. Eyes that familiarly meet. A door held. Texts. Sunshine. Rain. Critters, and the excitement with which they demonstrate.

A dog off a leash. A cat who gives you that 'for real?' look when you call it by name.

Loyalty. Care. Trust. Bosses who don't fire me when I make stupid errors that cost our company. Bosses who reward/share the wealth.

Relationships, every kind. Hope. The excitement of tomorrow. Money, and knowing all will be ok when there ain't any.

People that have to work today, and appreciation of their sacrificing to do so. Gas that's back under $3/gallon. A car that starts. A fridge that runs, a furnace that brings warmth.

Dimples. A nice derriere, sorry.. kinda.

Youth - their excitement, and those older who are able to maintain that excitement in life. Routine. No routine. Trying new things. Repeating things done with anewed enjoyment.

Givers. A beer bought and being able to by one for another. Compliments. Health.

Gulp, the fact we at least have a major league baseball team and a national football league team in our town.

Equality. Facebook. Email. The internet. Expressing, no matter the type/method.

Pecan pie, pumpkin pie, turkey, dressing.......... Snickers, Butterfingers.. Chili Cheese Fritos... Pulled pork, scrumptious ribs.. A 300 burger. Breakfast, cigs and coffee at Nelly Belle's..

Bonfires, firepits, and friendship aound same. People my age. People older. People younger. People of different colors, religions, nationalities, and gulp again, political views.

I'm thankful that wasn't the last panel of toilet paper I just used.

Handshakes, fist-bumps, a hand on the shoulder.

Teammates. Running mates. Gulp, past mates.

Medical personnel. A good HR department. Having a job I do not dread at all driving to.

Kissing. Sorry, kinda. Anticipation. Walking when running is desired.

Smiles on those whose life has not given them a fair deal.

Coffee. Miller Lite.

The ability to go ahead and write a blog when I should be in the shower getting ready for family comraderie and the fact they won't be upset if I'm a couple minutes late.

MU, and fans alike.. gulp, yes, even KU, their fans.

The crack of a bat. The "umph" of a tackle. The near silence of a 'swish'.

Bosses that pretty much leave old farts alone to do their job, and understand the appreciation of doing so.

I know I've forgotten, missed a lot. Comes with aging.

Aging. Brownspots and the ability to scrape them off, only to have them return like a hound fetching a ball.

Happy Thanksgiving. Happy day. Happy hour. Happy minute.

Spellcheck, and having the ability to swerve around it when they tell you firepits ain't a word.

Big Gulps.

Love, Victurd.