Life and Random Thinking

Chapter 7 – Looking out for #1

Posted on December 13, 2021 by dfolstad58

Thank you for visiting “Life and Random Thinking“. Today I was chatting with a special friend and this short story series came to my mind. I challenged myself to add another chapter, although they aren’t really chapters because they are very short. LOL

This post is a continuation of the Call Me Skywalker category/series – if you go to the category on the right hand margin of my blog, you find it close to the top– if you go there, you can see the list by clicking on that choice.

Click HERE to go to the beginning to meet the characters and the lead up to today.

Or use this link to go to the beginning ♥♥: https://dfolstad58.wordpress.com/2015/12/07/call-me-skywalker/

If you only read today’s post, not only will you break my heart – but you will miss out on what I think is a sweet albeit sad beginning that evolved into a fun relationship between Sophie and Luke. ♥

A super brief synopsis to today’s post.

The title character is Luke. Luke’s nickname is “Skywalker”. Luke is a nurse and he cared for Stella until she died, they bonded. Stella’s daughter was away and could not be with her Mom when she was dying. Stella wanted her daughter to meet Luke and hoped they would be a couple.

Now Sophie (Stella’s daughter) is Luke’s boyfriend, but it looks like there is danger on the horizon.

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Sophie had spotted someone with binoculars in a car and it looked like they were watching her. When she looked a half hour later, the vehicle was gone but she still felt uneasy. Her work with the navy’s submarines had aspects that were classified.

It always seemed ironic to her that her interest in science had lead her to a field below the water surface when she had never learned to swim despite growing up in Hawaii.

Sophie hoped Luke was going to take a day off soon, he had been working too many days in a row.

As if the phone could read her thoughts, it rang and the call display showed it was Luke.

“Sophie, sweetie – remember me?”

Sophie pretended she didn’t recognize the voice ” the voice does sound familiar, maybe if you talk a little more then I will remember your name?”

Luke said ” I know Sophie, I am sorry, I have working a lot. How would you like if I pick up something to eat, and we have dinner and binge some Netflix together? Can I come over?”

“I will order the food honey, “, she cooed over the phone, “you just drive yourself safely over here, and we can relax, I can’t wait to see you. Be careful. “

“It’s a deal“, Luke grinned, “See you in twenty minutes” and he hung up feeling a burst of excitement.

Both in Luke’s car and in Sophie’s apartment the radio played the same song “Looking Out for No.1” by Bachman Turner Overdrive. (lyrics below)

Sophie’s Mom, Stella, used to tell her to remember the advice they give on planes “ Remember to put on your own oxygen mask first, and then take care of your loved ones.” Not exactly what Randy Bachman meant in his song, but a catchy tune regardless.

Sophie knew that Stella would have put the mask on her first though; and Sophie would give her oxygen to Luke – her heart belonged to him.

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Every day is an endless train
You got to ride it to the end of the line
Be a trouble shooter, blow the bad luck away
And you will make it to your station on time

And you’ll find out every trick in the book
And that’s there’s only one way to get things done
You’ll find out the only way to the top is looking out for #1
I mean you keep looking out for #1

Every night is a different game
We got to work for our fortune and fame
Success is a ladder, take a step at a time
And the people will remember your name

Yes, I found out all the tricks of the trade
And that’s there’s only one way you’re gonna get things done
I found out the only way to the top is looking out for #1
And that’s me, I’m looking out for #1

Neither of them knew it was an omen.

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The two men in the parked car watching Sophie’s apartment were tired and stiff; the one in the driver’s seat stretched and took a sip of coffee. He was watching for Luke, and had been waiting over a week, and was itching to take out his frustration with his fists. His colleague was there to make sure he didn’t, the first message to Sophie via her boyfriend was to be non-violent, or nearly so.

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Posted in Call me skywalker short story in blog instalments | Tagged BTO, skywalker, Sophie, story | 2 Comments

The King understands Dating

Posted on December 11, 2021 by dfolstad58

Hello (Hola!) and thank you for reading “Life and Random Thinking” today.

The “King” was the nickname given to Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock n’ Roll”. Elvis’s life story is quite interesting. He was born in 1935 in the state of Mississippi and was an only child.

The start of his life was in poverty. In 1953, at the age of 18 he was driving a truck. Elvis paid $4 to record a song for his Mom on a record (they were very close) at Sun Studio in Memphis. He recorded two songs, one per side, “My Happiness” and “That’s Where Your Heartaches Begin”.

My parents bought me a turntable as a gift when I was teenager, and included a record – It was an Elvis Presley record ” Separate Ways”.

So many wonderful songs that Elvis did, and loved so many – a tragedy that he died aged 42.

But what I want to talk to you about is some of his songs, the lyrics you may know already.

Think back to when you were dating (or maybe you are still dating).

I am going to list below three songs plus provide links in case you haven’t heard the songs in awhile.

I am hoping you will comment which relates to your dating experience OR share a song title (I will check it out!). PLEASE PLAY ♥

Song #1 – ” Don’t Be Cruel “

You know I can be found sittin’ home all alone
If you can’t come around a least please telephone
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true
Baby if I made you mad for somethin’ I might have said

Please let’s forget the past the future looks bright ahead
Don’t be cruel I got a heart so true
I don’t want no other love honey it’s just you I’m thinkin’ of
Let’s walk up to the preacher and let us say I do

Link to song here – this video was from 1957, just 4 years later from the record to his Mom, he is on the Ed Sullivan show and Elvis was a bit shy, and still humble.

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Song #2 – It’s Now or Never

It’s now or never
Come, hold me tight
Kiss me, my darling (Ooh)
Be mine tonight
Tomorrow will be too late (Ah, ah, ah)
It’s now or never (Ooh)
My love won’t wait

When I first saw you
With your smile so tender
My heart was captured
My soul surrendered
I’ve spent a lifetime
Waiting for the right time
Now that you’re near
The time is here, at last

Here is a link to hear this song – this video is cool, the song plays while it shows Elvis in army uniform, he joined the army in March 1958 and spent time in Germany (in between making movies in the USA) and that is where he met his wife, Priscilla.

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Song #3 – I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell

I look at you and wham
I’m head over heels
I guess that love
Is a banana peel
I feel so bad and yet
I’m feeling so well

I slipped, I stumbled, I fell

One crazy kiss and bam
I head for the skies
I guess that love
Is like a cake of ice
You skate along but then
You never can tell

Here is the link for this song, which is a super short song and the video is from one of his movies. Elvis had the handsome looks, some women would even put on lipstick to watch him in his movies. In this one minute short, he is supposedly driving a truck and trying to win over the gal, who seems unimpressed (at first). ♥ The movie was called “Wild In The Country”

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Thanks for visiting and I am looking forward to hearing from you. Hats off to a special blog I follow which inspired today’s post. – David

Posted in Just being creative, music related | Tagged dating, Elvis Presley, movies, Music | 23 Comments

I need a Hand today

Posted on December 8, 2021 by dfolstad58

Welcome and thank you for visiting “Life and Random Thinking” today.

Fun challenge first: Name this song ♥ – One of my “all time favorites !)

If I ever get out of here
Thought of giving it all away
To a registered charity
All I need is a pint a day
If I ever get outta here
(If we ever get outta here)

Well, the rain exploded with a mighty crash
As we fell into the sun
And the first one said to the second one there
“I hope you’re having fun”

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The title of this post is ” I need a hand” because I am working on a Pathway Project which is the learning program through Toastmasters.

What is Toastmasters? The answer is in this link here (5 second read)

What is a Pathway project? The answer is in this link here (5 second read)

My speech this week for Toastmasters is report on this blog, and the purpose of this speech is to enhance my “social presence in relation to my being a Toastmaster vis-a-vis my blog. ”

What I would like is for my dear reading friends is three quick things:

With your help ♥ tomorrow I can show my fellow Toastmasters that some people have done these things then I think I can say I met my project goal and report I was successful. ♥

HOW YOU CAN GIVE ME A HAND: ♥
Click on each of the Toastmaster links above, and then either click “like” and/or comment if you have heard of Toastmasters before. You can do that at the bottom of the WordPress post page. Pretty Please ♥
If you are intrigued if there is a Club near you – please check by using this link ♥

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A Brief explanation of Why and When I became a Toastmaster

I have been a member of Toastmasters since 2006. Most people who knew me probably never thought I needed help in speaking. However speaking in front of a group of people, and speaking well and being comfortable doing so are two totally different things.

I became a Toastmaster to avoid those um’s, ah’s and so’s we all hear from people unused to speaking in front of a group. I also felt better expressing my opinion in meetings and teaching at work.

In my personal life though is where I felt Toastmasters really helped me. I was able to speak at funerals of family members, my last gift to them. I was able to be a better library board member because I felt more comfortable speaking up. I was able to give a Toast at my daughter’s wedding.

Of course, I am still nervous but now I don’t have the regret at these events because I can overcome my reticence. I don’t walk away disappointed with myself, instead I am happy I can contribute and say what is in my heart and mind.

The opportunities seem to open up on their own, when people know you are a Toastmaster – from people asking you to be the Master of Ceremonies at a wedding, to being a supervisor at work leading a group of people. In fact, the world wide motto of Toastmasters International is “Where Leaders Are Made” and that’s because schools and universities teach us many wonder things, but not how to speak, listen, or give positive feedback.

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Some recent photos I want to share next and express my “thank you” also.

Thank you !

A variety – snow surprise to our walks in the wonderful winter light along Okanagan lake.

Posted in Just being creative, Toastmasters | Tagged Band on the Run, social media, Toastmasters | 23 Comments

Apples and Batteries

Posted on November 25, 2021 by dfolstad58

Thank you for visiting “Life and Random Thinking” today, and I hope you like my post today.

I was feeling grateful this morning, always a nice way to start the day. Maybe the best way

I can tie my own shoes! Truly that is something I am happy about. When my left hand was bandaged for almost six weeks I couldn’t tie my laces so I am grateful.

Gratitude is truly a nice way to start the day, and I have much to say thanks for including the cup of coffee in my Marvin the Martian mug. ♥ Mmmm

When we feel gratitude, it is healthy for us and this is actually been proven by studies (Harvard no less!).

In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier

I am grateful that I can walk along Okanagan lake

The opposite of gratitude may be entitlement which advertising seems to promote in my opinion.

Comparison is the thief of happiness.
President Theodore Roosevelt

One of the things I am grateful for is that my parents taught me to say “grace” before every meal. That simple quick moment to stop and acknowledge helps me to keep my gratitude battery charged.

I want to keep that gratitude battery charged because it affects how I respond throughout the day to minor inconveniences. It seems to take a real beating when I am behind the wheel. LOL

Speaking of “grace” – the camp song I still enjoy singing is Jonny Appleseed – the song gives thanks for the simple joys of life in a happy way: the sun, the rain, and the apple seed.

Long ago, when dinosaurs were young, I went to summer camp and we sang the Jonny Appleseed song – and this is the link to it on youtube – before meals. It was a lot of fun to join in with a hundred others to sing this song and we sang it at the table just yesterday but only the first verse. (smile)

Why not? I am still a camper at heart, after all.

I hope you feel young at heart today, and enjoy the simple joys of life all day, that you enjoy an apple and have the sense of appreciation for life that brings health to you.

Thanks for visiting – David ♥♥♥

BTW – before you go, who knows this song?

Hey, where did we go?
Days when the rains came
Down in the hollow
Playin’ a new game
Laughin’ and a-runnin’, hey, hey
Skippin’ and a-jumpin’
In the misty morning fog with
Our, our hearts a-thumping and you

Posted in FAVORITE POSTS - A Few of them ♥, health, Thinking Out loud | Tagged brown eyed girl, entitlement, grace, gratitude, harvard, health, jonny appleseed, lyrics | 26 Comments

Wound or Heal and Benefit – Choices

Posted on November 17, 2021 by dfolstad58

Thank you for visiting my blog today, today my thoughts probably fall into my category “Thinking Out Loud”.

I gave a speech last week called “Foot In Mouth” at my Toastmaster Club. It was all about “accidental humor’ – the type where you speak without thinking and there is a hilarious result.

There is a saying “I only open my mouth to change my feet” but I doubt any of my wise readers have ever felt like that. ♥

Today my topic is choices again, but when we speak. I know too well how easy it is to speak without thinking, in a reactive way, and accidentally wound, aka verbal stab. When the words are out, and spoken then it is too late.

Then it takes a minimum of five positive encounters to salve the one negative encounter.

According to the work of John Gottman and Robert Levenson, who closely studied the effects of negativity with couples, the suggested ratio is 5:1, meaning that for every negative encounter, there should be a minimum of five positive ones to counterbalance the effects of the first.
https://collectivehub.com/2017/05/how-many-good-experiences-finally-outweigh-a-bad-one/

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An inspiring and educational story is below my photos !

Thomas Alva Edison

– famous man, over a 1000 patents and credited with the invention of the incandescent bulb. All that you undoubtedly knew but the rest of the story is even more interesting.

Link here for his biography

Did you know:

Thomas was not a good student, he attended school for merely twelve weeks. He was hyperactive, prone to distraction.

The story is told that one day, as a small child, Thomas Edison came home from school and gave a paper to his mother. He said, “Mom, my teacher gave this paper to me and told me only you are to read it. What does it say?”

Her eyes welled with tears as she read the letter out loud to her child: “Your son is a genius. This school is too small for him and doesn’t have good enough teachers to train him. Please teach him yourself.”

Thomas Edison’s mother was his teacher at home from that day forward.

Many years after Edison’s mother had died, he became one of the greatest inventors of the century.

When Edison later in life was going through a closet he found the folded letter from his old teacher. He opened it and found that the true message written on the letter: “Your son is mentally deficient. We cannot let him attend our school anymore. He is expelled.”

( The truth was that Thomas’s mother had ignored the description of her son as “addled” and “mentally deficient”. She didn’t weigh him down with the teacher’s words and instead she was constantly kind, she praised him and she encouraged him.)

Edison then wrote in his diary: “Thomas A. Edison was a mentally deficient child whose mother turned him into the genius of the century.”

(credit to https://www.aish.com/sp/pg/Thomas-Edisons-Mother-The-Power-of-Words.html)

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The power of words is amazing. Create, encourage, inspire are in our words. How important it is that I remind myself to not react but respond carefully instead.

In fact that saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is even applicable in my opinion.

I know I have shared this video before, but if you haven’t seen it – I hope you will take the opportunity today. ♥♥- David

Posted in Thinking Out loud, Toastmasters | Tagged Edison, encourage, heal, inventor, power of words, react, respond, wound | 20 Comments

Daily Choices and Math

Posted on November 12, 2021 by dfolstad58

Thank you for visiting my blog today, I truly appreciate your visit.

I was awake last night thinking about choices, and math. I was thinking how little things add up. The coffee breaks I spent with co-workers added up to many hours of time I look back on with appreciation. Looking back I realize those were special gifts to have such amazing friends.

I was also thinking how forty years ago when we were just starting out how careful we were with our spending. I always brought my lunch and even brought tea bags from home and paid 5 cents for hot water so I could have a tea on the rare occasion I didn’t go walking on my coffee breaks.

When we first married we didn’t have a television and our time was spent reading, walking, and doing things. We never felt deprived.

But I was thinking about choices; how important daily choices are. They are important because those small choices compound. They can mean choices we feel grateful about or they can become choices we regret.

It’s so easy to be wasteful, with our time and with our money.

Daily choices, a few dollars here and a half hour there and I can fritter away my day, my week and my money. Fortunately I have thrifty genes although I need to be more careful with my time. I am shocked how much time I spend on social media.

In 2020 internet usage worldwide has grown to 145 minutes per day (over 2 hours!) on social media. I know that surprises me to think how that time usage added up. Link to reference

145 minutes a day is 4720 hours in five years. Imagine if that time was spent differently – what could I/we do or learn?

I decided to do some calculations and share them today.

What time and money will I look back on in one year or five and wish I had spent differently? What choices will I wish I had made? and you?