Chongo, been reading your posts for years, glad things are breaking your way. Seems much deserved

People ask me how I’m doing and my usual answer is “Any day above ground is a good day; unless you’re a coal miner or sub-mariner.”

I really do say that and I mean it. I’ve lived through and seen so many tragedies that every day I know my life is pretty good.

Tony.

Congratulations, Chongo! It’s great things are looking up for you. God is there through the bad and the good times. Most of us forget to say “thank-you” when the clouds disperse.

This is the day to remember when next you're knee deep in the shit.

11 of 12 right on today's Jeopardy
I'll take it!

Thanks for the great post.

It's a pick-me-up that I needed today.

A reminder to be grateful for the blessings in our lives -- no matter how seemingly small.

So here's my addition to the thread.

I had a chance this week to watch my 8yr old son pitch his first scoreless inning in baseball. He's been working his ass off on his accuracy and it finally paid off. If you remember your first year of kid-pitch baseball or have kids who have gone thru it, then you know what a struggle just getting the ball over the plate can be. And how frequently you watch your lead disappear as runs keep getting walked in one after the other.

So my son takes the mound in the 3rd. His team is up 3 runs. He walks the first two batters, stikes out a batter, gets a ground ball out to first that moves runners to 3rd and 2nd. Then he proceeds to walk the next guy to load the bases. Next batter up he runs the count full. He was sweating physically and mentally. Finally throwing a scoreless inning was all coming down to one pitch.

And guess what.. He threw a strike right down the pipe. Belt high over the middle of the plate. I was praying to God the hitter wasn't going to crush it. And he didn't. The hitter watched it pass by for a called strike 3.

I don't believe I've ever seen my boy so happy. The look on his face was one of complete joy. His teammates were slapping him on the back and jumping around him.

I was standing behind the backstop cheering for him and choking back tears. And thanking God for the gift of being alive, and being given a chance to be Dad.

The rest of the shit in my world didn't really matter anymore.

quote:

Originally posted by NK402:
"Why me, Lord?", it is in appreciation, not despair.

This realization came to me a few years ago. There is a lot of wisdom within that question.

I'm thankful that you are doing well.

A humming bird, a rose breasted grosbeak and an oriole
Showed up at the bird feeders
Woo hoo

Thanks for reopening this thread. I can definitely use some pleasure now.

Our old sheriff up and quit several weeks ago and the county commissioners had the authority (and responsibility) to appoint an interim one until after the one who is elected in November is sworn in. The one I hoped would be appointed was. Just enjoying that thought for now.

Wife and I went to a leash free dog beach here in FL today. Our goldendoodle loved the water and meeting new friends. Came home to some tacos, guacamole, and a couple adult beverages while swinging in our suspended chairs under a huge oak tree. Weather was perfect.
Yep, these are simple pleasures.

I remember what my beloved grandfather told me when I was just a kid and whining about a down-period in my young life:

"Boy, life is gonna be like a ping-pong ball, bouncing high and then falling back to earth, then bouncing again. You better learn to enjoy the high bounces and endure the low returns, cause as long as that ball is moving, you have more life to live".

I ask him what happens when it quits bouncing. He replied: "That's when God has decided you have paid your dues on this earth and are ready for your next assignment!"

(He was right, as usual - my ping-pong ball is still bouncing, but the highs don't seem nearly as impressive as they used to be for this 78 year old player!)

Excellent post! It’s easy to fixate on minor inconveniences. It’s a lot better to take time often to appreciate life’s many blessings.

A good reminder to take the wins in life where ever you find them.

I got out on the kayak today for the first time since re-habing my torn rotator cuff and bicep tendon from last year. Short simple trip with a friend who’s visiting from Indiana but great to be back on the water.

If my toothbrush is dry in the morning, it will be a good day.

Man, what a GREAT reminder!

4 years later, I’m still remembering to appreciate the good.

This Wednesday I was on top of our fire training tower at 5 AM helping tie everything off for them to do rappelling with a group. Watched the sun come up from the top, saying out loud that it doesn’t get any better than that!

Jeep is in the garage, top down and doors off!

Life is good!

When someone asks me "How you doing?" I usually say, "Having the time of my life". It's true.

As crazy Joe Walsh said "Life's been good to me, so far".

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by SpinZone:
A good reminder to take the wins in life where ever you find them.

I got out on the kayak today for the first time since re-habing my torn rotator cuff and bicep tendon from last year. Short simple trip with a friend who’s visiting from Indiana but great to be back on the water.

Excellent! It’s amazing what a little time on a kayak can do for you mindset. There is something about being out on the water with friends that is good for the soul.

I appreciate the reminder. I work a lot of weekends and don't get many days off with my wife but we are off together today and about to have lunch by the pool.
Life is good and my problems could be a lot worse.

Well said. My wife is always especially grateful when she drives her Jeep without the top. As was previously said, it's the small things in life that make it count!

Thursday our two adult kids took my wife and I to Red Rocks Amphitheater to see Jason Isbell and his band—just the four of us. It was part of our daughter’s Christmas present to us and I enjoyed every minute of it.