April 21, 2006 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer  

   Have you had things going along very smoothly?  Don't think about it too hard, even smoothness for a mere 15 minutes will qualify.  Then, just as you are getting into the groove, something comes up to throw a curve at you.

    I have had a couple of those types of situations lately.  Plans are in place, life is chugging along smoothly and then I get a phone call, a visit, or an email that what was working perfectly fine has to change.  The change isn't always necessary, but it is out of my hands.

    So I am faced with doing a 180 turn, or completely changing what was working quite perfectly prior to the notice.  I sit down and come up with new plans.  If "A" happens I can do this or this.  On the other hand, if "B" happens then I will have to that or that.

    I get my options figured out and my best case/worst case scenarios in place, and then I find out that there really will be no change.  Say what??

   I think that Life sometimes throws those curves at us just to see how serious we truly are about completing a goal, following a certain path or committing to a decision.  When we show that we are determined to continue no matter how high the mountains we are facing or outrageous the demands on us, then we have somehow proven that we are worthy of the goal, commitment, or life path.

   When it seems like your life is turning 180 on you, don't flip out, just remember you're faith in yourself is being tested.

Beth

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April 7, 2006 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer  

   After numerous unsatisfactory encounters with different individuals and organizations in the past two weeks, I can only leave you with the following: 

   Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend by the name of Common Sense who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic Red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such value lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn't always fair.

   Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in charge).

   His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but over bearing regulations were set in place.

   Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student; but, could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion

   Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

   Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was awarded a huge settlement.

   Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. Also, a brother, Consideration for Other People.  He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner.

   Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.   (Author Unknown)

Beth

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