Woman and the Fork

                                                  Woman and the Fork

Author Unknown

This post has a very special significance to me because it was sent to me by my best friend. The message is one that was meant to be shared with people that you care about. The only contribution that I’ve made to it is this opening introduction, I hope that you will enjoy it and send the link to your friends and family:  http://www.being50.com/2014/02/woman-and-fork.html

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had
been given three months to live.  So as she was getting her things 'in order,' she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.

'There's one more thing,' she said excitedly. 'What's that?' came the Pastor's reply?
'This is very important,' the young woman continued. 'I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.' The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say. That surprises you, doesn't it?' the young woman asked. 'Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request,' said the Pastor.

The young woman explained. 'My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement.  In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.'   It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie.  Something wonderful, and with substance!'

So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I
want them to wonder 'What's with the fork?'  Then I want you to tell them: 'Keep your fork… the best is yet to come.'

The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye.  He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death.  But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did.  She had a
better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge.  She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the
cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand.  Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, 'What's with the fork?'  And over and over he smiled.

During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died.  He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it
either.

He was right. So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They
make you smile and encourage you to succeed. Cherish the time you have, and
the memories you share.  Being friends with someone is not an opportunity, but a sweet
responsibility. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND...and I'll bet this
will be a post they do remember, every time they pick up a fork!
And just remember...keep your fork! The BEST is yet to come…

Early Influence (50th Anniversary)

Early Influence (50^th Anniversary)

Is it possible this was the first exposure to what would later become known as global community influence?  Up until now everything about our music culture was pretty much home grown, hillbilly, bluegrass, Rock-A-Billy, country, folk jazz, you name it, pretty much all had its roots here in America.

Up until now most recording artists were getting one or two hits on the charts per year, and all of a sudden with the arrival of the Beatles, you could turn on the radio and listen to two or three even four of their new hits at the same time.  On their first full year of exposure to the USA audience (1964) they had 8 songs in the top 55 songs of the year on the Billboard Chart. 

The eight songs were:

• # 1. I want to hold your hand
• # 2. She loves you 
• # 13. A hard day’s night 
• # 14. Love me do
•  # 16. Please, please me 
• # 40. Twist and Shout
• # 52. Can’t buy me love 
• # 55. Do you want to know a secret

During their career they went on to release 13 Albums, more than 200 songs, and they charted 21 # One Singles, and they became the most influential music group ever.

A special factory had to be built in order to keep up with the millions of records being sold by the Beatles.  Soon after their arrival in US Market a radio station in Los Angeles California started playing nothing but Beatles music.

The Beatles led the British Invasion, some of the groups that followed were:  The Dave Clark Five, the Animals, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Herman’s Hermits, the Hollies, Tom Jones and many others.  The best is yet to come…..

1st Time I Heard the Beatles 2

Ed Sullivan with the Beatles Feb. 9, 1964

February 9th marks the First Anniversary of this blog (www.being50.com) and this post is number 301.  A great big heartfelt thank you for all of you that have made this effort worthwhile.  The Blog enjoys readership from around the world.  The following based on numbers alone is as follows: the top 6 countries are; USA (by far the largest), China, Ukraine, France, Canada, and United Kingdom.  Another handful of countries round up the readership.  The page views are in the 10’s of thousands.  Looking forward to the second year!

 One of my sons originally convinced me to write a book about my life and family, a book which is still in progress.  I shared my book’s rough draft with my son (around a hundred pages), and he suggested that I start a blog.  My son and I share many similar traits, one in particular is decisiveness.  Once we agree on a course of action, we start immediately.  I still have that February 9^th a year ago fresh on my mind; I was sitting across from him at his dining table, as he began initiating the blog.  As quickly as he was done (in minutes), he said, write your first blog.  I told him I didn’t know what to say.  He said write about your favorite music group.  That became my first post: The First Time I heard the Beatles, http://www.being50.com/2013/02/first-time-i-heard-beatles.html.  That post was not much more than a sentence or two, and yet it got an unbelievable response. 

 Today I would like to expand a little on that first post.  Hearing about the Beatles for the first time created a little more than your normal exposure to a new song.  Up until that very day all my music heroes were American Made (the following list is the top 7 Hits of 1963); Jimmy Gilmer and The Fireballs - Sugar Shack, Beach Boys - Surfin' U.S.A., Skeeter Davis - The End Of The World, Cascades - Rhythm Of The Rain, Chiffons - He's So Fine, Bobby Vinton - Blue Velvet, Paul and Paula - Hey Paula.

·       Released: 29 November 1963 (UK), 26 December 1963 (US)

·       John Lennon: vocals, rhythm guitar, handclaps
Paul McCartney: vocals, bass guitar, handclaps
George Harrison: lead guitar, handclaps
Ringo Starr: drums, handclaps

·       Released on 29 November 1963, I Want To Hold Your Hand sold more than a million copies on advanced orders alone. It became the group's first US number one, and kick-started the British Invasion of America.

·       The song was written by Lennon and McCartney

The very next year (1964) The Beatles had 8 songs in the Top Hit Songs of the US Music Charts.

It’s been 50 years since 73 million people tuned in to The Ed Sullivan Show to watch the Beatles perform live on American TV for the first time.

 

• That Feb. 9, 1964 performance helped set Beatlemania in motion, and also resulted in Capitol Records opening up a factory in Jacksonville, Ill. to meet the demands of pressing the millions of Beatles albums that were being sold. That factory was nicknamed “The House the Beatles Built.”
• How much did the Beatles get paid for their Ed Sullivan performance? The deal called for them to make three appearances in 1964 for $10,000 — which is $75,147 adjusted for inflation in 2013.
• Their performance was so highly-anticipated that the show’s organizers received more than 50,000 ticket requests for the 700 seats in the theater. And it appeared all 700 present squealed in delight at the sight of the Beatles. By Chad Merda

How appropriate that my Blog’s 1^st Anniversary coincides with the Beatles 50 Year Anniversary of their arrival in the US of A, and performance on the Ed Sullivan Show.  The best is yet to come…..

A Gaggle of Girls

A favorite Hangout

• A gaggle is a term for a flock of geese that is not in flight.
• In terms of geese, a gaggle is equal to at least five geese.
• In certain regions of The Netherlands, a gaggle can also refer to a group of adolescent females.

I was working in my office (home office), while keeping an eye on three of my granddaughters for a couple of hours.  As usual I have part of my mind concentration on the work I am doing and the other half tracking my granddaughters. The only time I worry is if they are not in the line of sight or when the house gets too quiet. 

On this occasion I was working and blocking out sounds until I couldn’t help but listen to the noise coming from the family room.  The sounds reminded me of a few times in spring and summer when I am out at the golf course chipping or putting on to or on the green and a bunch of geese grazing nearby interrupt my concentration. Each one of my three youngest granddaughters are very assertive, and each one will raise her voice to be heard over the others. You honestly can’t tell what the discussion is about or who is making the most sense.  Their ages are three, five, and seven.  Two are sisters, and the oldest one is their cousin.

They are a joy to look after, and I love each one equally.  Never a dull moment when I have them in my care.  Through the years I have re-acquainted myself with cartoons and children’s programing in general.  From Disney Jr., to Nickelodeon, and from Lazy Town to Sheriff Callie and everything else in-between, including the Mutant Ninja Turtles.  We spend time at the park playing foot races, and play equipment (swings, teeter totter, monkey bars, and slides), and can’t forget riding bicycles.  Sometimes the highlights of a day are the trips to Children’s Hands On Museum, Chuck E. Cheese, Charlie Safari, or Jumping Jacks.

I also transport them around, I am their care provider (not full time), chauffer, nutritionist, cook, activity director, homework helper, first aid attendant (EMT – Band-Aids only), and favorite grandpa; in no particular order.  I suppose that the one outstanding qualification for my present position is that I am retired, the second is that I love them more than life itself.

When I get a time for reflection, I think of how great it would be to see them off to college, and perhaps to be at their weddings.  Either way it is very reassuring to know that my DNA will go forth even long after I am gone, and the best part is that it will be in very capable hands.  The best is yet to come……

Sports Influence 2

Sports Influence 2

I’ve said it many times before, as long as you put forth your best effort, you can always be proud of your accomplishments.  It doesn’t matter if you walk away with the ultimate prize or end up second best.  Someone has to win and someone has to lose.

Last weekend Super Bowl Sunday had special meaning for me.  For the second time in 38 years the one team that has maintained my interest in the National Football League, the Seattle Seahawks were competing.  During the last two weeks of hype leading up to the Super Bowl, I was so strong in my support of the team that I knew we could walk away champions.  Just the same I told myself that there was a chance that we could end up second best, and I could live with it.

I invited family over to our home so that we could collectively lend our energy to our favorite team.  The family gathering alone made this event a winning situation.  This special day at our home was one of momentous jubilation even before the game started.  Our family gathering in itself was reason to be happy.  Plenty of food variety for everyone’s taste; definitely the best indoor tailgate party we have ever had. 

The fan base known as the 12 Man understand that our team is young and strong with only a handful of players entering and testing free agency next season and likely to move on.  Even the experts who have managed to ignore our team over the years are now comparing the Seahawks to the young Dallas Cowboys of the early 1990’s that went on to win 3 championships is short order.

Like many negative events in history where you will always know where you were when they happened, so will this championship.  Our family unit will always remember the time when our first championship was won and how we were all together enjoying our family unity in victory.

While there is a requirement to exercise good sportsmanship in victory as well as in defeat, there is no comparison to the feeling of being World Champions.  I hold a very strong respect for Peyton Manning and all his accomplishments, and very classy demeanor.  Go out and support your team because they depend on the fan base, besides, at least to date no one team is champion forever.  The best is yet to come…..

Contemplating Retirement

Contemplating Retirement

The very first day I contemplated retirement was when I completed my very first day of work (my first full 12 hour day).  Farm work doesn’t punch a clock from 8 to 5.  Back when I started at 12 years of age and the time clock was solar (sun-up to sun-down).  We would get a 30 minute lunch break, not paid for, and no breaks before or after lunch.  The only breaks we got were of the forced type (forced by the call of nature).  I went home from work at the end of the day, I had driven a Ford Ferguson Tractor all day long, pulling a flatbed trailer while three college young men loaded bales of hay on it. After the trailer was filled to capacity plus I would drive them over to where the bales of hay were stacked for year round use.  The farm had so much cattle that all the hay was strictly for in house use.  Sometimes the rancher would even purchase additional hay to make it through the year.  I remember getting done at the end of the day and I was so tired, that I would often go to sleep without eating dinner.  Enough reminiscing about the good old days (and they truly were).

At some point I started loving work so much that I had difficulty stopping at the end of a day to go home.  Back in the day 100% effort was expected from everyone, but to add a 10% extra made you shine very bright and opportunities for advancement almost always followed.  Many of my friends complained that management required more than a 40 hour week.  They were right, but with my work ethic, once I reached mid-management level in the corporate world, the long hours coupled with appropriate wage was like a fine tuned V-8 engine hitting on all cylinders.

I didn’t realize it growing up but learning about life and the struggles that often come along for the ride, made my life much easier.  I learned how to work hard and stand out amongst my co-workers.  Thanks to lessons learned growing up, I’ve lived within my means or below all my life, never cared to keep up with the neighbors, and home has always been the basis of my comfort.

Many workers spend their lives dreaming about the retirement, but the reality does not always meet the fantasy. There are pros and cons to retirement, both in terms of finances and in terms of lifestyle. Understanding the possible negative consequences of calling it a career can help you make a better transition from the role of worker to the role of new retiree.  Keeping busy for the sake of sanity can be as important as adjusting to your new finances.

Time is a precious commodity, and one that retirees have in abundance. Without the responsibilities and stresses of a job, retirees are free to visit their children and grandchildren whenever they want. Retirees can also travel as much as their hearts desire or their budgets allow.  Making the right choices for you and your new lifestyle is where it’s at.  You may have to experiment until you get used to the idea that you no longer have to punch a clock,

I was lucky to retire early thanks to advice from my best friend, and I tried different things before settling to what feels good and fulfills me.  I’ll just say that my new lifestyle has a little bit of everything in it.  This post was prompted by the fact that my best friend’s wife just retired, and I got to thinking of how I was affected, and how I wish them the best in their new found freedom!  The best is yet to come…..

Sports Influence

Sports Influence

My life’s foundation includes a generous mix of scholastic sports participation.  If you break life down to the basics, you will find that life is a competition, whether you want to admit or not.   In the beginning level of life (at birth) if you are a twin, you will start competing from day one.  Whether it be for the next feeding, diaper change, or just mom and dad’s attention.  In my generation, my parents expected me to excel in everything from school work to sports to chores around the farm.

Even friendly family competitions were played to win never to lose or draw.  When I entered school sports in high school, I was expected to minimally letter in the sport.  My parents felt like they were spending money on insurance, and sports equipment. Not to mention giving up my time after school when I could have been performing chores on the farm, so they wanted to hear that I was amongst the best performers if not MVP.

Well I grew up with a very competitive spirit and I passed it on to my children growing up.  To this day you should see how rowdy our board game nights get when the family gathers around the dining room table to spend quality time together.

I remember occasions when I visited my relatives in California and my uncle Frank would take me to Dodger baseball games or my father would take me to championship boxing matches also in Los Angeles.   At the time I couldn’t understand their enthusiasm for Baseball and boxing.  Being from the Pacific Northwest myself, I didn’t have the exposure to professional sports that southern Californians have always had.  However, it wasn’t long after my exposure to boxing in southern California that a young fighter entered the competition (Cassius Clay) and I became a fanatic.  All of a sudden the fights were not boring, here was a fighter that would call the round he was going to knock out the opponent, and actually did it.  I started attending Close Circuit Television viewings in select venues around the northwest with my step-father and step-brothers. I can honestly say that those were exciting times.

 

In 1976 I was very fortunate to get on the fan wagon of my favorite team ever.  The Seattle Seahawks arrived and I have been a fan ever since.  In 2005 the Seahawks made it all the way to the Super Bowl, and were able to compete with the opposing team, but were not prepared to take on the officiating team also.  I already gave full disclosure, I have been a fan from Day One.  This coming Sunday my team, the Seattle Seahawks will once again be competing in the Super Bowl.  This time our team is going against the recognized best quarterback in the NFL.  I only agree to the title because he probably is, considering his accomplishments, and secondly because when my team beats his team, I expect my quarterback to inherit the title.

While my team is well prepared in all aspects of the sport, we are going against the best possible team that we could compete with.  It’s unfortunate that after Sunday, no one will care who came in second place over all.  Having said that, I will admit that, that is the way I was raised, and that is the way I like it.  The second place team will begin the rebuilding process the very next day (Monday), and that is the way it should be.  Like in everything, especially in sports, there needs to be winners and losers.  It’s just how we keep score, and it builds character.  GO SEAHAWKS!!!  The best is yet to come…..

Bucket List Minus #2

Bucket List Minus #2

2. I will go on a trip to a city 50 to 100 + miles one way by train.  

Please see Posting: Making a Bucket List (February 13, 2014) http://www.being50.com/2013/02/making-bucket-list.html

I am happy to report that traveling by Amtrak is easier then traveling by airplane, and at least 10 times easier to make arrangements. For the record no turbulence to report, another plus.  An approximate distance of 120 miles round trip for a total cost of under $60 roundtrip Business Class (equivalent to First Class).  Luxury and comfort all the way, with no traffic bottle necks.  I was as productive as if I had stayed in my office while on the trip.  I worked on my laptop connected by the hotspot on my cell phone the whole time without interruption.

 

In my case there is only one negative, and that is that there was an approximate two hour delay for the return trip.  I suppose most people would have had a real purpose for the trip while my only goal was to make the trip for the sake of satisfying the Bucket List Item #2.

While the scenery was very breath taking it wasn’t anything I had not seen before.  Every once in a while a glimpse of traffic bottle necks on the freeway.  While I undoubtedly would have saved cost by driving myself, we often don’t see the savings in stress that traffic creates in us.  To any one that regularly makes the commute, I would recommend Amtrak, while the ticket price might seem costly to someone making a daily commute the benefits are priceless.  Not everyone uses their free time productively, but if you do, this is the way to go.

 

I’m sure you have heard the saying, “time is money.”  Well, this is the perfect example of what they are talking about.  If you are a salesman that needs to be on the telephone (safely), on a 60 mile trip one way you gain 2 hours of phone time.  How many calls can you get in two hours?  How many sales can you close in two hours?  How about computer time?  Once again two hours of time on the computer, while care free riding in luxury.  There are ample electrical plugins for your electronics.

 

For most salesmen on commission, one solid sale could pay your commute for the month.  At the end of the day on your commute home, you extend your work day by two hours (on a 60 mile commute).  Or if you prefer you can start relaxing the minute you sit for the trip home.  If your work is the physical type you can gain four hours per day for rest and relaxation.

The trip was very enjoyable, and I would even recommend taking a vacation trip just for the experience.  The best is yet to come…..

State of the Nation

State of the Nation

Never want to upstage someone as important as the leader of the free world.  I only mean that in the sense of posting my perspective of where the Nation is at, ahead of his State of the Union speech.

Every once in a while aging does come with benefits:  knowing from experience what to expect with regard to a pep talk (which a State of the Union speech is meant to be).  When you hear enough of this speeches and then live through the period of time that follows you learn to read between the lines.  I would be the last person to say that a politician lies but they do embellish, and you have to give them credit, they are optimistic about how they can improve things with their plans for us.

If you want to get a real feeling for how the nation is doing you should consider that not everyone is affected in the same exact way at the same exact time by prevailing conditions, political or otherwise.  I’ve always measure improvements by getting it down to the lowest common denominator.  First of all, how am I (my home) doing since the last State of the Union speech?  The next level might be to assess the status of your job or business.  The next most important measure to an individual should be, the family.  How are your children doing?  How are your brothers and sisters doing?  How about your parents:  the ones that can least afford a negative condition in the state of the nation.  Before you counter; some of our elderly that have had a nice life may actually be in better shape economically to withstand a temporary downturn in the economy.  However, generally speaking elderly population with a fixed incomes have limited ability to withstand even temporary downturns.

Now for the tools to measure how we are doing.  Take a look at the property tax statement for your home, if you are one of the fortunate people to own or to be buying your home.  You can usually see a comparison from your past property valuation to your next increase or decrease in valuation, and taxes due.  Take a look at your bank account are your savings stable or has it been declining?  Check your credit card balances are your credit card balances down or up?  Certain things affect us all equally, as an example the unusually cold weather we are experiencing in parts of the nation.  According to some news reports utility bills are doubling in some areas because of the extreme and prolonged cold weather.  If your personal situation is stable, you should be able to withstand the fluctuation in your utility bills, but if you are not doing well, it could be the difference between buying groceries and keeping warm.

Another area to measure is the security issues that have been prevalent in the news.  Are you more concerned about privacy with regards to electronic communications?  Are you experiencing problems with your health coverage (have you recently been dropped?)?  Has your health coverage costs increased significantly?  Most of us can withstand the flu or a cold, maybe even a sprained ankle without insurance.  However, a major surgery event in the family can bankrupt you, if you can even get medical care without insurance.

It turns out that I am not reporting the State of the Nation, instead I am giving you some ideas on how to evaluate on your own.  Having read the State of the Nation post, how are you and yours doing?  The best is yet to come……

Freedom of Choice

Freedom of Choice

When it comes to Freedom, the majority of us understand that it isn’t “free.”  With regards to the freedoms we enjoy in this great United States of America, many of our men and women in uniform have paid dearly with the ultimate sacrifice.  The gift of freedom is not something that we can place a monetary price on.  Not everyone sacrificing went along willingly or had a choice, and by that I am making reference to the parents that lost a son or daughter, or the sons and daughters, brothers and sisters who lost a loved one in the pursuit of defending freedom.

There are other freedoms that we enjoy, which we may not take the time to analyze but which always come with consequences.  Some of this freedom of choice decisions are made every day with grave and immediate consequences.  A bad example is the choice a drunk person makes to get behind the wheel of their car to drive home. The spectrum of consequences in this instance goes from bad decision to the extreme of being responsible for the taking of someone’s life.

 

I am writing this post triggered by an article I saw online.  When I was young and in high school probably 20% of the student body smoked cigarettes most of them were smoking for the sake of being cool in their peer’s eyes.  A handful of the students that smoked, looked more stupid than cool, because until they became used to the cigarette smoke they coughed and choked on the smoke every time they inhaled.  Some of the people that hung around me smoked and had the habit (although good manners) of offering everyone in the group a cigarette every time they pulled one out for themselves.

Eventually my gym teacher talked me into signing up for the school track and field team. Lettering in that sport led to being recruited for the football team and lettering in that sport led to being recruited for the wrestling team.  At that point in my life and getting all the attention I needed from sports, my future was sealed with regard to, ever smoking a cigarette.  Eventually I got some of my friends to quit smoking around me, and I dropped the friends that would not honor my request.  The sports minded students that I hung out with and other friends that didn’t smoke started hanging out together.

The most unfortunate side of cigarette smoking is that the price you sometimes pay isn’t always immediate.  Growing up there were plenty of cool marketing reminders of why smoking was cool.  Some examples were our more popular television and movie actors in their movie roles.  From the Camel cigarette, the Camel character Joe Cool.  The Marlboro Man.  Not to mention the added bonus of Green Stamps, plus coupons that were included in some cigarette packs, and cartons.

 

• The Marlboro Man is a figure used in tobacco advertising campaign for Marlboro cigarettes. In the United States, where the campaign originated, it was used from 1954 to 1999. The Marlboro Man was first conceived by Leo Burnett in 1954. The image involves a rugged cowboy or cowboys, in nature with only a cigarette. The advertisements were originally conceived as a way to popularize filtered cigarettes, which at the time were considered feminine.

 

Well, the demise of the Marlboro Man came January 10, 2014 at the age of 72, from Lung Disease.  That is the case of a delayed consequence of the decision to smoke in this instance.  Some might think that he had a nice long life (72), but in fact his life wasn’t a quality life for many years.  Lawson was also survived by six children, 18 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.  May Eric “Marlboro Man” Lawson Rest in Peace.  The best is yet to come….