Donald Miller

What kind of story are you writing? I don't mean on paper, but with your life? If someone was following you around with a camera with the intent of putting it up on the big screen, would it be boring...or...exciting? Are you in a good story? If not, could you turn you story into a better one? I just finished Donald Miller's A Million Miles in a Thousand Years and have to say it was easily one of the most challenging books I have ever read. I am a slow reader, but I was so completely engaged that I finished it in two days. So, just like anyone else that has loved a book, I recommend it for anyone.

Great Books

I am reading several books right now, some of which I needed a break from so I started on something a little 'lighter'. I would recommend The Family by Jeff Sharlet for a disturbing look at politics and far right conservative religion; Twelve Mighty Orphans by Jim Dent for a fantastic true story about Texas high school football in the 1930's; The People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn for truth; and Donald Miller's newest contribution to life and spirituality called A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.

NEWS FLASH . . . WAL-MART BROKE!!! SUES BRAIN DAMAGED WOMAN FOR OVER $400,000

In a recent flip-flop of economical status, the gigantic big box sell you anything retail monstrosity Wal-Mart is in need of more money! Although Wal-Mart cannot even render a guess of monies made over the years that get close to anything less than the word BILLIONS . . . they must be having financial struggles. It seems that Wal-Mart sued a former employee, who after a car accident was left brain damaged, for money paid on her behalf to the insurance that Wal-Mart provided for the woman. The woman had won a settlement with the trucking company that caused the accident but . . . 'The Shanks didn't notice in the fine print of Wal-Mart's health plan policy that the company has the right to recoup medical expenses if an employee collects damages in a lawsuit.'

Hehehehehehehe . . . Translation: Wal-Mart is greedy, people are sheep, it is capitalism at it's finest and no one will care.

Thanks G.W. Bush for reminding us to spend our tax returns to help save the economy. I think I will go get something huge and expensive at Wal-Mart.

All life . . .

I could go crazy with this, but I will just let you read it and smile . . . all life has meaning.

The Oscars

I have never been a fan of awards shows, unless of course we are referring to Dog Shows because THAT is a WHOLE other joy . . . and although I have not always been able to express why I have such disdain for these shows, it seems that Jerry Seinfeld has come close.

I have viewed only two of the movies that were up for best picture, and I can say that Daniel Day-Lewis in There Will Be Blood was as perfect as I have ever witnessed in a role.

"Drainage! Drainage, Eli, you boy. Drained dry. I'm so sorry. Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake! I drink it up!"

Used cars salesmen and politics

"I'll do anything to earn your business."

"I don't even care if I make any money on this sale, I need the bonus so whatever it takes, I'll do whatever I can to make you happy."

"Boy this [11 year old Nissan with 130,000miles] drives really great doesn't it? Man, if you don't buy this car, I think I will, I love the way this rides."

(Within a ONE mile test drive) 2 times - "Boy it rides great doesn't it." 2 times - "Does it fit you well?" 4 times - "I am sure this gets just as good of gas mileage as the Toyota and Honda vehicles you mentioned."

OK - WHAT????? This 11 year old Sentra gets as good of gas mileage as a Corolla and Civic (26-29 City and over 30 Highway). After looking this Nissan up for its mileage, it got 18 city and 26 highway.

(After telling the salesman EXACTLY what I wanted 4 times, and I mean make, model, mileage, etc...and this POS Nissan was NOT it) "Well, what are you looking for . . . what do you not like about this car?"

Here is a tip for anyone trying to sell a car . . . pretend the person looking at it is not a moron that can be sold what he does not want and try listening.

This leads me to ask, are we wondering around the presidential candidate lot trying our best to find a president and all the while being sold with typical sales jargon?

I walked away from that dealership without buying a thing, is it OK to walk away from this election without casting a vote?

Finding ways to cut back

It is only in the mind that certain foods taste better than others. OK! I know that is not correct. But if you can change your taste you can change your habits.

After spending a lifetime, somewhere in the 30's, of eating whatever I want . . . the ole body can only handle healthy food now. Not that it rejects rich, high fat, high taste foods as I am eating them but that I feel like a tub of badness when I overeat the bad stuff.

So I have been working on my tastes. I have found that I have moved past needing 14 Nutter Butters for a snack and can really enjoy fruit. I have also discovered the world of low cal high taste foods that help cut cravings throughout the day. Even though it has taken a while to get here, I am finally able to eat and snack in a smart way and actually loose weight.

More to come on this . . . because now I am thinking of ways to describe my political views without sounding like an idiot.