On Gratitude And Humor [Warden]

I had minor surgery yesterday.* Although it wasn't high risk, being put under general anesthesia is always somewhat of a concern and the whole process from admittance through recovery is neither convenient nor cheap.

In short, surgery is a stressful experience for most people.

Matters weren't helped by a three hour delay due to my surgeon having to deal with multiple complications from the operation scheduled prior to mine--the exact same procedure I was about to undergo.

But as I sat there in pre-op waiting and holding my wife's hand, I couldn't help but feel gratitude. Prior to modern medicine, this condition would have disabled or killed me. I had insurance and enough money in our HSA to cover the deductible, so I didn't have to sweat finances. And not only did I not have to go through this alone, Mrs. Warden and I had spent our time happily chatting and cracking jokes with each other and the nursing staff as we waited--my wife at one point wryly mentioning to the male nurse who had been called in to shave my stomach that my back could probably use a little work, too.

The nursing staff was absolutely terrific, and I was genuinely appreciative for the care they provided. Every time my wife or I has ended up in the hospital, we've always received top notch care from the front line staff. There isn't any question in my mind that at least part of this is due to the fact that we always do our best to remember and use the name of everyone on staff, to stay positive, and to say please and thank you even when we're in pain or distress.

The pleases and thank yous are a habit we've built over the years with each other--one we've passed on to our children. Recently, someone complimented me on how polite my kids are. It's true that they are and I'm always proud to hear that sort of thing, but having good manners is not the primary reason I taught my children to be polite.

I taught my children to be polite as a constant reminder to be grateful for the small kindnesses that others do for you. My wife and I model this daily for them. Not only do we thank each other for routine things we do for one another like setting the table, doing the laundry or mowing the lawn, we also thank our children for behaving well, cleaning their rooms or helping with the dishes.

Expressing heartfelt gratitude has an almost miraculous effect on the people around you. It makes others take joy in doing for you, turning resentment or obligation into enthusiastic kindness, and it's as much true for a nursing staff as it is your spouse. When you practice verbal gratitude daily, it changes the very nature of your relationships.

Taking the opposite path can prove, well, disastrous. One of the things my wife talked me about as we waited on the surgery was her boss's marital problems. He's a talented and ambitious man who pulls down a salary large enough to spoil his stay-at-home wife with expensive clothes, cars, and vacations.

The vacations, rather than being a blessing, have turned into a source of bitter resentment for him because his wife refuses to go to any of his preferred destinations or participate in any of the activities he enjoys. If he pushes the issue, she retaliates by passive aggressively ruining the experience with complaints, feigned illness and drama.

He's so upset over it that they haven't been speaking. The issue, of course, isn't really about the vacations. It's about his wife making their marriage a win/lose proposition rather than a win/win one and then stacking the game in her favor. At its core it's a simple lack of appreciation and gratitude--one so deeply ingrained that experiences most married couples can only dream of affording become a source of petty squabbling.

What a shame.

As I waited for my surgery, I wondered how I'd handle something as terrifying, painful and exhausting as cancer. I vowed that if I ever found myself faced with it, I'd do my very best to model strength, courage, grace, and good humor to my kids, as it might be the last and most important lesson I ever taught them.

Lying there next to my wife, I noted that gratitude and humor are fundamental building blocks of a healthy marriage and if you can display both when you're in a trying situation, then you're probably on solid ground with your spouse.

I found myself overcome with happiness that I'd married someone who loves me so deeply and who is constantly working toward improving and strengthening our marriage. I felt like there wasn't anything we couldn't get through together.

I'm beginning to think that the gratitude and a sense of humor are linked-- not in the sense that the funniest people are the most grateful (people who aren't at all funny can still laugh uproariously at someone who is)--but that gratitude provides the necessary perspective to have a good laugh at one's own misfortune.

My father, a recovering alcoholic, told me when I was a teenager that he knew his drinking had gotten out of control after he lost his sense of humor. This simple insight always stuck with me. It's perhaps just a backwards restatement of the "laughter is the best medicine" adage, but has been of much more practical value to me as a warning sign for when my mental state has gotten off the rails.

The sicker a society is, the more complicated it makes the rules of living out a life of happiness and fulfillment. In reality, the steps are both simple and unchanging. You know what they are and so do I. It's just that simple doesn't translate to easy and so we tend to look for other, less difficult ways.

None of us are immune, but you see it much more on the left. Instead of looking inward, the left is constantly trying to fix the other guy.This is one reason I've lost interest in politics. I'm fascinated by culture and the forces that move/control it, but I know that the actual practice of politics has very little impact on our daily lives.

Temperament is at least somewhat genetic, but I think that Abraham Lincoln had it mostly right when he said that most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.

I also think my old man had it right when he told me that no one decision will have more impact on your happiness than your choice of who to marry (or not). Growing older definitely has its drawbacks--your body breaking down being one of them--but one of the great joys of aging been a greater understanding of love and the role it plays in my life.

Love isn't a feeling. It's thought put into action. It's a choice. And it begins with gratitude.

*I'm still riding a Percocet high, so I apologize for the rambling nature of this post.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 08:30 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Warden,

Can you shoot me an e-mail at cbd dot aoshq at gmail dot com ?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 26, 2017 08:22 PM (rF0hx)

2 But we're still pantsing Dylan!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 26, 2017 08:24 PM (NT3RT)

3 Drugs are a wonderful thing.

Now to read the content. ;-)

Posted by: @DangerGirl (gab.ai) and her 1.21 Gigawatt SanityProd (tm) at April 26, 2017 08:24 PM (/o9Qk)

4 Hope you're feeling better soon.

Posted by: TrivialPursuer at April 26, 2017 08:25 PM (riF5p)

5 Get well quick.

Posted by: CSMBigBird at April 26, 2017 08:25 PM (xInes)

6 Hope your recovery is speedy, Warden!

Posted by: @DangerGirl (gab.ai) and her 1.21 Gigawatt SanityProd (tm) at April 26, 2017 08:27 PM (/o9Qk)

7 I hope your transition proceeds smoothly, Warden! The shaving thing should be less of a burden down the road.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 26, 2017 08:28 PM (NT3RT)

8 Get well soon, Warden!

Posted by: Brother Cavil, at Provisional Basestar at April 26, 2017 08:28 PM (66CWr)

9 Monday is a "Day without immigrants."

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 26, 2017 08:29 PM (IqV8l)

10 OMG Eris!?! LMAO

Posted by: @DangerGirl (gab.ai) and her 1.21 Gigawatt SanityProd (tm) at April 26, 2017 08:29 PM (/o9Qk)

11 >>I'm beginning to think that the gratitude and a sense of humor are
linked-- not in the sense that the funniest people are the most grateful
(people who aren't at all funny can still laugh uproariously at someone
who is)--but that gratitude provides the necessary perspective to have a
good laugh at one's own misfortune.

Never considered the link between those two, but having my husband recently go through serious cancer treatment immediately followed by major back injury/surgery, having a sense of humor made a yuuuuge difference. And there was a lot of gallows humor for that 2+ years, believe me!

Posted by: Lizzy at April 26, 2017 08:29 PM (NOIQH)

12 Get some rest, Warden.Hope you're feeling better soon.

Posted by: dantesed at April 26, 2017 08:29 PM (88xKn)

13 Aside from actual depression, I think I'm a pretty laugh-along sort of person. Sometimes, you can choose to laugh or cry at something, and laughing is more fun.

Some of it is whistling past the graveyard, but when you know nothing you can do will improve the situation, laughing about it helps you get through it.

Also, be nice to folks and they will return the favor, or, if they don't, they will feel like crap for behaving badly. Smile, dammit.

Posted by: tcn in AK at April 26, 2017 08:29 PM (NXsWM)

14 It's a keyboard, not an onramp. Ramble!

Posted by: 80's music fan at April 26, 2017 08:30 PM (Kbe/v)

15 I had cataract surgery a while back. That is a miracle that kept me from going blind.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Doctor of Thinkology at April 26, 2017 08:30 PM (Nwg0u)

16 9 Monday is a "Day without immigrants."
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 26, 2017 08:29 PM (IqV8l)

Are they leaving? Finally?

Posted by: tcn in AK at April 26, 2017 08:30 PM (NXsWM)

17 Get well, soon, Warden.

I'm with you on the manners thing. A lot of it comes from being born and raised in Texas. Saying "please" and "thank you" has gotten me a lot of places over my laugh even though it's just something I automatically do.

Posted by: Michael the Texan (formerly TEXIT) at April 26, 2017 08:30 PM (nvMvs)

18 Definitely count your blessings, Unfortunately I as a millennial Will never know the blessing of a happy marriage, being surrounded by leftarded hen clucking shitbirds whose brains have been turned to soup taking 80 different types of birth control pills, and who think Trump is a violent rapist because he said purrthy.

Its times like this when I thank God for hookers.

Posted by: Gaylord Farkemall at April 26, 2017 08:30 PM (bLY78)

19 Very thoughtful post, Warden, Percocet or not. I agree that gratitude and a sense of humor are both necessary parts of a good marriage. And a sense of humor starts with the ability to laugh at oneself.

Sounds like you have a wonderful wife, and she has a husband who appreciates her fully.

Hope you recover swiftly and completely.

Posted by: bluebell at April 26, 2017 08:31 PM (sBOL1)

20 Nice Post! I wish you a fast recovery!

Posted by: scottst at April 26, 2017 08:32 PM (idA6q)

21 General anaesthesia is trauma. My 70something dad underwent it several times, and it affected his memory. Not permanently thank G-d.

Lately we're seeing MRIs of opiate addicts, especially on fentanyl. Suppression of the hippocampus.

Again, the brain does heal, but the process sucks in the meantime. So, good luck.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at April 26, 2017 08:32 PM (6FqZa)

22 Eviscerate this pendejo, Tucker.

Posted by: logprof at April 26, 2017 08:33 PM (GsAUU)

23
*I'm still riding a Percocet high, so I apologize for the rambling nature of this post.

Oh, sure. I see how it is. Greedy bastard. Keep 'em for yourself.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at April 26, 2017 08:33 PM (cuZZW)

24 Obozo is considering surgery now that he's out of the White House. Soon when we call him a pussy, he'll actually be a pussy.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Doctor of Thinkology at April 26, 2017 08:33 PM (Nwg0u)

25 If this is blogging while impaired, I vote in favor of impairment.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at April 26, 2017 08:33 PM (F0ZHr)

26 Higher Than A Giraffe's Pussy is a phrase that comes to mind ...

Posted by: ScoggDog at April 26, 2017 08:34 PM (YOpSC)

27 Carbona Not Percocet

Posted by: garrett at April 26, 2017 08:34 PM (f7W3D)

28 Hope your recovery goes well, Warden!

Posted by: Lizzy at April 26, 2017 08:34 PM (NOIQH)

29 The Terrible Operation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAheDLAZafw

Posted by: Hot Tuna at April 26, 2017 08:35 PM (f7W3D)

30 One of the finest posts I've ever read on the HQ and there have been many. The spouse'll be having a procedure on the 11th and I hope we can share the experience as you guys have. Well done.

Posted by: Pecan Scandi at April 26, 2017 08:35 PM (oztlS)

31 Much here resonates. Get well!

Posted by: RS at April 26, 2017 08:37 PM (CNQqJ)

32 I'm glad everything went well.

Posted by: Dr. Algernop Krieger at April 26, 2017 08:38 PM (ANIFC)

33 I have a Make America Grateful Again lot shirt I can wear only at Dead shows.

Posted by: Cosmic Charlie at April 26, 2017 08:38 PM (7dpmG)

34 Who's the geek downstairs? I ain't going down there to catch up. I hope y'all gave him plenty of swirlies though.

Posted by: freaked at April 26, 2017 08:38 PM (BO/km)

35 Off, ironic sock

Posted by: josephistan at April 26, 2017 08:38 PM (ANIFC)

36 Nice to "meet" you, and get well soon!

Posted by: Pogonip at April 26, 2017 08:38 PM (t9QjF)

37 LMAO, the EL CHAPO Act.

How many man-hours does our government spend creating backronyms?

Posted by: logprof at April 26, 2017 08:38 PM (GsAUU)

38 I'm just going to tell you. Cancer is a bitch. I had a LCDR, MC tell me my chances were 85% if I got cracking on Surg/Chemo/Radiation asap. She offered to send me to Landstuhl, but I chose good old ETEX. This put me past the possibility of surgery. Chemo and radiation took me from 188 pounds of bone and muscle to 149 pounds in a little over 2 weeks. After 2 hospital stays had an additional 8 months on stomach tube. I was one sick s.o.b. and have never fully recovered. Asked Mrs. E if I was a whiny baby. She said 'Yes, you were a whiny baby.' Regardless, I am still blessed to be alive.

Posted by: Eromero at April 26, 2017 08:39 PM (zLDYs)

39
Who's the geek downstairs?

Mandark

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 26, 2017 08:39 PM (IqV8l)

40 Warden - awesome post, and so very very true. I wish that everyone could understand this simple message.

Posted by: Mordineus at April 26, 2017 08:39 PM (u4xKN)

41 Eromero, you are a thousand pounds of piss and vinegar and I'm glad you're still around!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 26, 2017 08:40 PM (NT3RT)

42 'm with you on the manners thing. A lot of it comes from being born and raised in Texas. Saying "please" and "thank you" has gotten me a lot of places over my laugh even though it's just something I automatically do.
Posted by: Michael the Texan (formerly TEXIT) at April 26, 2017 08:30 PM (nvMvs)

Manners are not the sole providence of Texas. Most of the country was taught manners. It seems urban areas tend to discount them more.

Posted by: Embarrassing Stain at April 26, 2017 08:41 PM (WuVew)

43 Monday is not a day without immigrants! My aunt is a (legal) immigrant and she'll be right where she has been for the last 35 years.

Posted by: Pogonip at April 26, 2017 08:41 PM (t9QjF)

44 You can never expect gratitude for anything you do, so don't be too disappointed if you don't get any. On the other hand, it costs so little to do show it.

We eat out most weekends. We have our favorite places so we're known there. We order efficiently, tip well, leave promptly when finished and tell the manager we had a good meal and good service. So we get treated like royalty. It's not because we do it to get something, but because it takes nothing to do.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at April 26, 2017 08:41 PM (CKGym)

45 When I'm due for my next colonoscopy, I'm going be cool until I get the dope, then rip out the IV line, run away, and wander about... I'm never going let that person who calls himself a physician sodomise me again like the last time, but whatever is in that syringe is wonderful!

Posted by: Zettai Ryoiki at April 26, 2017 08:42 PM (kP16F)

46 That's a wonderful insight about "please" and "thank you." We are taught to say it, but are we ever taught to really mean it? Suffering from a very deep depression, I found this whole post quite touching. Thank you for it.

Posted by: (((King Curtis))) at April 26, 2017 08:42 PM (NngbZ)

47 Carbona Not Percocet

Posted by: garrett at April 26, 2017 08:34 PM (f7W3D)

Carbonara is better.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 26, 2017 08:43 PM (rF0hx)

48 I try to always say "please" and "thank you".

I told my mom that I hear her voice in my head nagging at me to be polite and she said "That's all a mother wants to hear!"

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 26, 2017 08:43 PM (NT3RT)

49 9 Monday is a "Day without immigrants."
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 26, 2017 08:29 PM (IqV8l)

Only one day? Well it's a start, I suppose.

Posted by: rickl at April 26, 2017 08:44 PM (sdi6R)

50 And may your recovery be speedy but your Percocet linger.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at April 26, 2017 08:44 PM (+QhzW)

51 Wow, Eromero, you've been through a lot! Cancer is a b#tch. Sorry you're not fully recovered, but you are blessed to have the love and support of Mrs. E.

Posted by: Lizzy at April 26, 2017 08:44 PM (NOIQH)

52 I always take my hat off before hitting a woman.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at April 26, 2017 08:45 PM (FOnk+)

53 I remember in my (relative) youth my friends and I would go out to crowded bars in SF. I would always thank the bartenders for the beer or drinks or whatever. And not just a tossed off, "thanks," as I turned away. I would thank them and look them in the eye.

My friends (Californians born and bred) thought that was weird.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 26, 2017 08:46 PM (rF0hx)

54 9 Monday is a "Day without immigrants."
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 26, 2017 08:29 PM (IqV8l)
-----------
Again? I thought we had this day a couple of months ago.

Posted by: Weasel at April 26, 2017 08:46 PM (Sfs6o)

55 I have a good friend who is an RN. She's told me a number of hair-raising stories about patients who treat the nurses abominably.

Like the guy who picked up his food tray and threw it on the floor, then said to her, "Now you have to clean that up." My first comment to her was, "I hope you reminded him you're the person who brings his pain meds. Or not."

Posted by: JuJuBee at April 26, 2017 08:46 PM (dargh)

56 Eris and Lizzy, my cancer was 13 years ago. 13 years of pure gravy and I well know it. Warden will know it too.

Posted by: Eromero at April 26, 2017 08:48 PM (zLDYs)

57 >>Again? I thought we had this day a couple of months ago.

Nah, that was a day without women. Or wait, maybe we did????

I think these marches and "Day without X"s will continue because they have to keep the Lefties engaged all the way to the 2018 mid-terms.
Good luck with that!

Posted by: Lizzy at April 26, 2017 08:48 PM (NOIQH)

58 Monday is a "Day without immigrants."

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 26, 2017 08:29 PM (IqV8l)

Do they once again mean illegals? Because I'd love if those pricks stayed off the road during rush hour traffic driving their rusted out vans and pick ups at about 20 MPH backing up traffic behind them for blocks

Posted by: TheQuietMan at April 26, 2017 08:49 PM (auHtY)

59 Can we have a Day Without Leftists? A Week? An Epoch?

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at April 26, 2017 08:50 PM (+QhzW)

60
You only get one shot at life.

I refuse to spend the time I have being a ... humorless scold.

I know a guy who spent his life so damn obsessed with justifying everything he said or did, that he basically abandoned his family in pursuit of himself and his perceived perfection. He knocked mom around when she didn't see things his way.

His children grew up knowing one rule: be quiet , don't bother daddy, especially when the bottle was near empty.

His girls grew up confused, emotionally stunted and damaged goods.

They married men and were divorced several times. No relationship was good enough. The oldest were left alone, crazy and totally lost.

The youngest got married very young. And she married a guy stupid enough to believe in hanging in there until the bitter end. The battles were crazy. Personality disorder, craziness, confusion, sexual dysfunction.

But over time and years and years of being mean as hell to each other and damn near walking out the door, somehow, some way they stuck it out. And they realized by raising their kids that they had more in common than they thought.

And gradually , slowly, she began to heal . And get better. And realize that she was NOT perfect and that NO ONE expected her to be. And she COULD be wrong and make mistakes without being destroyed for it. She was becoming normal- just like all the rest. And she started to grow up.

And eventually, someday, she will get there. And be happy.

Life is good. You just gotta find the parts that matter and live for that.

And help others to get there too.

Posted by: Mortimer - Finish Her! at April 26, 2017 08:50 PM (Uxokn)

61 Geet well soon!

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at April 26, 2017 08:51 PM (89T5c)

62 Monday is a "Day without immigrants."

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 26, 2017 08:29 PM (IqV8l)

Do they once again mean illegals?

-
This legal/illegal thing is just a social construct.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Doctor of Thinkology at April 26, 2017 08:51 PM (Nwg0u)

63 >>Eris and Lizzy, my cancer was 13 years ago. 13 years of pure gravy and I well know it. Warden will know it too.

Excellent! My hubby's stomach cancer has a 70% or more recurrence rate, and we passed the milestone of 2 years and no recurrence in January 2 years since last chemo) - which is big, since when it comes back, it comes back fast. It *is* a new lease on life!

Posted by: Lizzy at April 26, 2017 08:51 PM (NOIQH)

64 Thanks, Warden.

Important things to remember.

Posted by: KT at April 26, 2017 08:51 PM (qahv/)

65 46 That's a wonderful insight about "please" and "thank you." We are taught to say it, but are we ever taught to really mean it?
Posted by: (((King Curtis))) at April 26, 2017 08:42 PM (NngbZ)

Good point. Likewise, I was taught to say "You're welcome" after someone said "Thank you".

Today I frequently hear the following exchange:

"Thank you."
"Mm-hmm."

Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but it sounds to me like "Mm-hmm" isn't just a lazy way of saying "You're welcome". It's actually the opposite of "You're welcome". It means, "Yes, you should be thanking me."

Posted by: rickl at April 26, 2017 08:51 PM (sdi6R)

66 Thank you and you're welcome. You say "thank you" when you are grateful and "you're welcome" when someone says "thank you". You do not say "thank you" when someone tells you "thank you" unless you are thanking them for saying "thank you".

Posted by: freaked at April 26, 2017 08:51 PM (BO/km)

67 54 9 Monday is a "Day without immigrants."
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 26, 2017 08:29 PM (IqV8l)
-----------
Again? I thought we had this day a couple of months ago.
Posted by: Weasel at April 26, 2017 08:46 PM (Sfs6o)

I thought we had that too. Again?

Posted by: CaliGirl at April 26, 2017 08:51 PM (u8Ywb)

68 Posted by: Lizzy at April 26, 2017 08:48 PM (NOIQH)
---------
I swear I thought we had a day w/o immigrants A few weeks after the inauguration.

Posted by: Weasel at April 26, 2017 08:51 PM (Sfs6o)

69 Listening to Brave New World, probably 35 years since I read it. Worth another.
A gram is better than a damn.
For parents that taught me better, I am grateful everyday.

Posted by: Joe Mack at April 26, 2017 08:52 PM (cJDvr)

70 Posted by: Lizzy at April 26, 2017 08:51 PM (NOIQH)

That's wonderful news lizzy.

Cancer sucks.

Posted by: CaliGirl at April 26, 2017 08:53 PM (u8Ywb)

71 We should really look into this duplication of a Day Without Immigrants, because there should be a rule against having two of the same day.

Posted by: Weasel at April 26, 2017 08:53 PM (Sfs6o)

72 Great post Warden! Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Posted by: DeplorableJewells45 at April 26, 2017 08:53 PM (CNHr1)

73 66 Thank you and you're welcome. You say "thank you" when you are grateful and "you're welcome" when someone says "thank you". You do not say "thank you" when someone tells you "thank you" unless you are thanking them for saying "thank you".

Posted by: freaked at April 26, 2017 08:51 PM (BO/km)

Or if you want an argument over who should be thanking who.

Posted by: Aetius451AD's work phone at April 26, 2017 08:54 PM (SfJSp)

74 You do not say "thank you" when someone tells you "thank you" unless you are thanking them for saying "thank you".

Posted by: freaked at April 26, 2017 08:51 PM (BO/km)

Nope. It's perfectly fine to respond to "thank you" with "Thank YOU". Of course, it depends on the situation and if the reciprocal "thank you" fits or is sarcastically appropriate.

Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at April 26, 2017 08:54 PM (zc3Db)

75 55 I have a good friend who is an RN. She's told me a number of hair-raising stories about patients who treat the nurses abominably.

**********

As my wife said, "They're just people. Can you imagine how they must get treated sometimes?"

I can't. Fear and pain bring out the worst in many people. And if you're an asshole to begin with, I imagine you're just abominable in that kind of situation.

I'm so glad there are people who are cut out for health care work. I certainly couldn't do it.

Posted by: Warden at April 26, 2017 08:54 PM (YOnlm)

76 Warden,

I loved your comments on marriage. 47 years for me and the missus. Recovery quickly and sleep peace beside missus warden.

Posted by: colfax mingo at April 26, 2017 08:54 PM (mc8bR)

77 Anyone have sources for something i saw on "conservative news" regarding elizabeth hasslebeck being beaten up by leftist thugs?

Posted by: Wtp at April 26, 2017 08:54 PM (WQfDg)

78 9 Monday is a "Day without immigrants."
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 26, 2017 08:29 PM (IqV8l)
-----------
Again? I thought we had this day a couple of months ago.
Posted by: Weasel at April 26, 2017 08:46 PM (Sfs6o)

I thought we had that too. Again?

Posted by: CaliGirl at April 26, 2017 08:51 PM (u8Ywb)

You can never have too many "Day Without an Illegal"s.

Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at April 26, 2017 08:55 PM (zc3Db)

79 50cc of Editorcet, stat!

Posted by: Dr. c. evert-loop at April 26, 2017 08:55 PM (GgzGa)

80 Anytime anyone says "thank you" nowadays merits a "you are (very) welcome," with me, nicer than no problem or no worries.

Posted by: Cosmic Charlie at April 26, 2017 08:55 PM (7dpmG)

81 Didn't a bunch of idiots get fired for not showing up for work on the last day without illegal immigrants?

Posted by: Tinfoilbaby at April 26, 2017 08:55 PM (6Ll1u)

82 Eviscerate this pendejo, Tucker.

Posted by: logprof at April 26, 2017 08:33 PM (GsAUU)

Every country in the world just let him walk in mang. He just cross the border from Mehe-co to Whatemala. No problem

Posted by: TheQuietMan at April 26, 2017 08:55 PM (auHtY)

83 "Nope. It's perfectly fine to respond to "thank you" with "Thank YOU"."

Ok. Thank YOU.

Posted by: freaked at April 26, 2017 08:56 PM (BO/km)

84 One of the things that made me happy to vote for DJT is that his reputation is one of treating service people quite well. Hillary would have been right out based on her reputation for being nasty to service people even if I was a naive liberal.

Posted by: PaleRider at April 26, 2017 08:56 PM (8qFZP)

85 Ok. Thank YOU.

Posted by: freaked at April 26, 2017 08:56 PM (BO/km)

I prefer cash.

Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at April 26, 2017 08:57 PM (zc3Db)

86 http://preview.tinyurl.com/k7mczmq

Posted by: Wtp at April 26, 2017 08:57 PM (WQfDg)

87

If Bush supposebly killed Christopher Reeve because he supposebly banned stem cell research, why isn't obama's fault that Jonathan Demme, hollywood director, died?

Posted by: Soothsayerwing Plover at April 26, 2017 08:57 PM (NdWo2)

88 fine words.

Posted by: Jack at April 26, 2017 08:57 PM (YX9fV)

89 Some time I want to try "Thank YOU with a rusty pitchfork".

Posted by: freaked at April 26, 2017 08:58 PM (BO/km)

90 I'm not a fan of the response to 'thank you' with 'you bet.'

Posted by: weft cut-loop at April 26, 2017 08:58 PM (GgzGa)

91 Expressing heartfelt gratitude has an almost miraculous effect on the people around you.

I wish it had a miraculous effect on me.

Posted by: Jerry Garcia at April 26, 2017 08:59 PM (vRcUp)

92 84 One of the things that made me happy to vote for DJT is that his reputation is one of treating service people quite well. Hillary would have been right out based on her reputation for being nasty to service people even if I was a naive liberal.

Posted by: PaleRider at April 26, 2017 08:56 PM (8qFZP)

Yet she is perceived as sticking up for the common folk while he is reviled as a rich plutocrat. I've given up trying to understand what goes on inside some people's brains.

Posted by: rickl at April 26, 2017 08:59 PM (sdi6R)

93 My wife and I model this daily for them. Not only do we thank each other for routine things we do for one another like setting the table, doing the laundry or mowing the lawn, we also thank our children for behaving well, cleaning their rooms or helping with the dishes.

Mrs IMG and I are like this. We feel it is at the core of our wonderful marriage. We also do not fight. When there is anger, annoyance, etc, it dissipates within the hour. Both of us having endured awful spouses the first time around, we are truly grateful to have each other.

Posted by: Iron Mike Golf at April 26, 2017 09:00 PM (di1hb)

94 Wonderful essay, Warden. Thanks.

My husband and i pray for every morning, or if we don't we miss it. For the past year or so have a time where we thank God for each other and I mention the qualities I appreciate and like about him He's a little shyer at doing this for me (or else I don't have a lot of redeemable qualities. LOL) but it has brought us closer together. One of the things that drew me to my husband was his sense of humor and I think he appreciates mine.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 26, 2017 09:02 PM (fDdVG)

95 I am thankful that Juan Williams is able to feed and clothe himself and usually tie his own shoes.

Posted by: Mortimer - Finish Her! at April 26, 2017 09:03 PM (Uxokn)

96 A beautiful post, warden. The one line from my pre-marriage counseling that alway stuck with me, and which echoes your sentiments, is this: Love is a decision.

Tired Husband is such a good man that the gratitude part of the equation has always come easily for me.

Posted by: Tired Mom at April 26, 2017 09:05 PM (X6wMH)

97 If Bush supposebly killed Christopher Reeve because he supposebly banned stem cell research, why isn't obama's fault that Jonathan Demme, hollywood director, died?

-
I'm perfectly willing to blame the attack on Hasselbeck on Obama.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Doctor of Thinkology at April 26, 2017 09:05 PM (Nwg0u)

98 I was raised in the NorthEast (Philly) and always say "Thank you" "You're welcome" and "Please".

It has nothing to do with geography and everything to do with how you've been raised.

Sometimes I hold the door for people who say nothing, so I firmly say, "YOU'RE WELCOME" at them. Because I'm an ass like that.

Posted by: @DangerGirl (gab.ai) and her 1.21 Gigawatt SanityProd (tm) at April 26, 2017 09:05 PM (/o9Qk)

99 I'll have what he's having.

Posted by: Rob Reiner's Mom at April 26, 2017 09:05 PM (ZcAbN)

100 Warden you're easily the best thing about this site over the past four months. And that's in no way a reflection on ace. Best of luck with the recovery and try to be grateful for the amazing, attractive, intelligent commenters you've got reading your writing.

Posted by: phone of kari - certified sidebar at April 26, 2017 09:06 PM (nXCp4)

101 Re humor--The Handmaid's Tale sure could use some.

I read that in my callow youth and thought it was terrible. Since they're making a hyped TV series out of it, I thought, well, maybe I was just too young to appreciate Great Literature, and tackled it again. Nope. It's still terrible. I do not hold it against Margaret Atwood for picking the wrong religion for her dystopia; the living conditions in her Gilead are similar to those in Isis-occupied territories, but I didn't expect her to have a crystal ball. No, my beef is that heroine Ofglen is the...most...boring...person...ever. You pity the family who gets stuck with her, and you really pity the servants, who spend more time with her than does the family. Also, for loooonnnggg stretches, nothing happens. Nothing. Happens. Ofglen spends the first 20 or so pages getting ready to...escape? Storm the local Bastille? Poison her owner and his cranky wife? No, the first 20 pages are spent getting ready to... go grocery shopping! And it's not like Stephen King's grocery store where the pterodactyls fly up and down the aisles, it's just plain old shopping. Many, many, many, many pages later, the story ends with Ofglen finally deciding to plan an escape.

I don't understand what's supposed to be so brilliant about this (imagine what Uncle Stevie or Tom Clancy could have done with the premise). For one thing the set-up's bad; the big societal upheaval has already happened. One of the reasons Ofglen is boring is she's held captive; she can't go anywhere or do anything interesting. Atwood would have done better to show the violent birth of Gilead.

I was so puzzled by how I was missing Atwood's brilliance that I went to the library and tried another of her books. Once again, nothing happened. (Don't remember the title of that one after all these years, sorry.). Margaret Atwood is the most overrated writer of the 20th century, I think.

And whom would YOU dishonor with that title?

Posted by: Pogonip at April 26, 2017 09:06 PM (t9QjF)

102 FWIW,
I suck at names, always have. But I treat people with respect (until they show me they shouldn't be) and it's usually scored me some pretty good medical care. Medical billing is an entirely different story.

Posted by: Tsrblke at April 26, 2017 09:06 PM (6euCj)

103 "Mandark"

I didn't know who Mandark is so looked it up and this explains everything:

'Mandark was born in the peaceful land of Flowertopia where his idiotic hippie parents Oceanbird and Windbear were in a lake giving birth to him.'

Posted by: freaked at April 26, 2017 09:07 PM (BO/km)

104 BTW great essay Warden and I have found that usually I get treated well in my interactions with nurses, wait staff, etc. and figured its because I make an effort to always be polite to them and to smile.

Posted by: PaleRider at April 26, 2017 09:07 PM (8qFZP)

105 Thank you sir may I have another

Posted by: Obama at his ' club' at April 26, 2017 09:08 PM (IDPbH)

106 I am shocked, shocked I say, that anyone mentioned the shaving of the back. Braids ok, but come on!

Just kidding.....hope you make a full recovery and always remember happiness is simple to find if you just bother to look for it.

Sounds like you did my friend.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at April 26, 2017 09:09 PM (5VlCp)

107 Better living thru chemicals.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 26, 2017 09:09 PM (0tfLf)

108 Margaret Atwood is the most overrated writer of the 20th century, I think.

Maya Angelou? Toni Morrison? Susan Sontag? Some tough competition there.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at April 26, 2017 09:09 PM (CKGym)

109 I am thankful that Juan Williams is able to feed and clothe himself and usually tie his own shoes.

Posted by: Mortimer - Finish Her!

Why? It's not like you would be forced to if he were not able. "Mandatory voluntarism" didn't even make it past the first month of Obama's administration, let alone into this one.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at April 26, 2017 09:10 PM (vRcUp)

110 Great post and a continued speedy recovery. That's all I got.

Posted by: Notorious BFD at April 26, 2017 09:10 PM (Tyii7)

111 Maya Angelou? Toni Morrison? Susan Sontag? Some tough competition there.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at April 26, 2017 09:09 PM (CKGym)

Ernest Hemingway

Posted by: @DangerGirl (gab.ai) and her 1.21 Gigawatt SanityProd (tm) at April 26, 2017 09:10 PM (/o9Qk)

112 108 Margaret Atwood is the most overrated writer of the 20th century, I think.

Maya Angelou? Toni Morrison? Susan Sontag? Some tough competition there.
Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at April 26, 2017 09:09 PM (CKGym)

Don't forget Joyce Carol Oates.

Posted by: rickl at April 26, 2017 09:10 PM (sdi6R)

113 Oopsie. OfFRED is the heroine. OfGLEN is the lady with whom she usually goes marketing. I got them mixed up in my mini-review-cum-maxi-babbling. Mea culpa!

Posted by: Pogonip at April 26, 2017 09:10 PM (t9QjF)

114 Why? It's not like you would be forced to if he were not able.
"Mandatory voluntarism" didn't even make it past the first month of
Obama's administration, let alone into this one.
===

My tax dollars would be.

Posted by: Mortimer - Finish Her! at April 26, 2017 09:11 PM (Uxokn)

115 Since those "Day without Illegal Aliens" never quite work out the way the illegals want, they'll keep doing it.

Meanwhile, there is an excellent article in National Review about that stupid judge's ruling on the Trump EO concerning sanctuary cities.

https://tinyurl.com/lg7szfm

Turns out that there wasn't any actual controversy, or any actual harm, and so the judge was just engaging in a 49-page political rant against Trump, conveniently ignoring all sorts of federal precedents that say judges are not supposed to issue advisory opinions, or gin up cases and damages where none actually exist.

The whole thing is much ado about nothing, dreamed up by some a-hole progressive judge who is apparently butt-hurt that he didn't get to issue a ruling slamming Trump for his "Muslim travel ban" and get himself in the news like those other lefty federal judges did.

Posted by: TrivialPursuer at April 26, 2017 09:11 PM (riF5p)

116 Margaret Atwood is the most overrated writer of the 20th century, I think.

Maya Angelou? Toni Morrison? Susan Sontag? Some tough competition there.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner

Have you been here long enough to remember ace ragging on Ta Nehisi-Coates? That was some truly funny snark.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at April 26, 2017 09:11 PM (vRcUp)

117 the most overrated writer of the 20th century

There is some stiff competition for that title. But I'm going to grab my Necronomicon and summon the shade of Marion Zimmer Bradley from Hell for this one, that all may look upon her works and shudder.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at April 26, 2017 09:12 PM (6FqZa)

118 Prayers for a quick and complete recovery. Sent this to our children with a note of thanks that indeed they operate in gratitude in their lives. A great grace!

Posted by: Sharon W at April 26, 2017 09:13 PM (Sw2bY)

119 Susan Sontag was a very clever person. Unfortunately her thesis was always more important than the subject (whether art or literature) at hand.

Posted by: EdmundBurkesShade at April 26, 2017 09:14 PM (hTxE/)

120
Gratitude
For
Crunchy figs.

Posted by: Maya Jackieblue at April 26, 2017 09:14 PM (Tyii7)

121 the most overrated writer of the 20th century

Kerouac, with the beat idiots hot on his tail. On The Road is one of the dumbest books ever written.

Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at April 26, 2017 09:15 PM (zc3Db)

122 Of all the virtues gratitude is the greatest, for without it no one can be happy.

Posted by: Zombie Marcus Tullius Cicero at April 26, 2017 09:17 PM (0jtPF)

123 Margaret Atwood is the most overrated writer of the 20th century, I think.

Maya Angelou? Toni Morrison? Susan Sontag? Some tough competition there.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at April 26, 2017 09:09 PM (CKGym)

Barry: I don't get enough credit for the sheer genius of my writing

Posted by: TheQuietMan at April 26, 2017 09:18 PM (auHtY)

124 Responding to "Thank you" with "Thank you" makes sense in certain situations, particularly business transactions.

John Stossel once did a TV show where he explained how the free market works. A man was thirsty and went into a grocery store to buy a carton of milk. At that moment he valued the milk more than the money in his wallet.

The store owner, with shelves full of milk, valued the money more than the milk, since he needed to sell it before it spoiled.

When the transaction was completed at the cash register, both parties said "Thank you" and meant it. They both walked away having gotten what they wanted.

Posted by: rickl at April 26, 2017 09:19 PM (sdi6R)

125 Ernest Hemingway

Posted by: @DangerGirl (gab.ai) and her 1.21 Gigawatt SanityProd (tm) at April 26, 2017 09:10 PM (/o9Qk)

Pistols at dawn? Crossbows? Longbows?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 26, 2017 09:20 PM (rF0hx)

126 Having a great partner in life is a gift from God and sure makes the potholes of life easier to deal with. Unfortunately not everyone is that lucky.

Posted by: Jack Sock at April 26, 2017 09:20 PM (IDPbH)

127 Chelsea Clinton has an excellent shot at being the most overrated author someday.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at April 26, 2017 09:21 PM (vRcUp)

128 Sometimes I hold the door for people who say nothing, so I firmly say, "YOU'RE WELCOME" at them. Because I'm an ass like that.
Posted by: @DangerGirl (gab.ai) and her 1.21 Gigawatt SanityProd (tm) at April 26, 2017 09:05 PM (/o9Qk)

I've done that too. When holding a particularly feisty spring-loaded door, and being treated like a doorman, I've been known to let said spring-loaded door fly.

Posted by: Deplorable Jay Guevara at April 26, 2017 09:21 PM (SRKgf)

129 Ha. Trump's tax plan removes the deduction for state and local taxes. Blue states hardest hit.

Posted by: MAGA at April 26, 2017 09:21 PM (LQ1Q3)

130 I never thought Hemingway was that great, either. Probably related to Atwood.

Posted by: Pogonip at April 26, 2017 09:21 PM (t9QjF)

131 121 the most overrated writer of the 20th century

Kerouac, with the beat idiots hot on his tail. On The Road is one of the dumbest books ever written.
Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at April 26, 2017 09:15 PM (zc3Db)

I read it in college (recreational, not assigned) and couldn't understand what all the fuss was about.

Posted by: rickl at April 26, 2017 09:22 PM (sdi6R)

132 Barry: I don't get enough credit for the sheer genius of my writing
Posted by: TheQuietMan at April 26, 2017 09:18 PM (auHtY)

You didn't write it, Barry. We know that. You have the verbal facility of an ESL student.

Posted by: Deplorable Jay Guevara at April 26, 2017 09:22 PM (SRKgf)

133 The author everyone loves to hate: Dan Brown.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at April 26, 2017 09:22 PM (vRcUp)

134 129 Ha. Trump's tax plan removes the deduction for state and local taxes. Blue states hardest hit.
Posted by: MAGA at April 26, 2017 09:21 PM (LQ1Q3)

I love this guy. Even living in a ~~Communist-infested~~ blue state.

Posted by: Deplorable Jay Guevara at April 26, 2017 09:23 PM (SRKgf)

135 Pistols at dawn? Crossbows? Longbows?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 26, 2017 09:20 PM (rF0hx)

Bowie knives at dusk.

But hey man, if you like pages long sentences, more power to you. It just exhausts me.

Posted by: @DangerGirl (gab.ai) and her 1.21 Gigawatt SanityProd (tm) at April 26, 2017 09:23 PM (/o9Qk)

136 Chelsea Clinton is unlikely to be the true author of whatever book is penned in her name. Although there will be one. Which will be bought in the hundreds of thousands - direct from the warehouse - by people whose identities cannot quite be traced.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at April 26, 2017 09:23 PM (6FqZa)

137 That's a wonderful insight about "please" and "thank you."

Tell it. I had an emotionally abusive mother who insisted that I always say "please" and "thank you" to her but refused to reciprocate. When I asked her why, she said, "Because I don't have to be polite to YOU-- you're just a child, and you are nobody and nothing." I made a conscious decision early on to say "please" and "thank you" to others because it is the right thing to do, and I found out to my relief that my pastors, teachers, schoolmates, and other friends were courteous to me in return. It helped to heal the wounds inflicted by my mother, but every now and then I can still hear (in memory) her sneer of contempt for me. It resurfaces whenever someone else is rude to me, but I've learned to think of Jesus' patience with His tormentors on Good Friday and forebear to lash back at the "problem person." But it still bothers me to note the general decline of good manners in present-day culture.

Posted by: Basement Cat at April 26, 2017 09:24 PM (3C9q2)

138 117: the only thing of hers I've read was her Mort d'Arthur imitation, which was way too long and thus boring.

Posted by: Pogonip at April 26, 2017 09:24 PM (t9QjF)

139 Since those "Day without Illegal Aliens" never quite work out the way the illegals want, they'll keep doing it.

The fundamental problem: grass doesn't grow that much in a day.

Posted by: Deplorable Jay Guevara at April 26, 2017 09:24 PM (SRKgf)

140
A giraffe
Was born.
Plop.

Posted by: Maya Jackieblue at April 26, 2017 09:24 PM (Tyii7)

141 "Responding to "Thank you" with "Thank you" makes sense in certain situations, particularly business transactions."

Yes when the exchange is mutually beneficial.

Posted by: freaked at April 26, 2017 09:24 PM (BO/km)

142 ... now, whether anybody ever reads "Chelsea's" contribution to American letters...

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at April 26, 2017 09:24 PM (6FqZa)

143 But hey man, if you like pages long sentences, more power to you. It just exhausts me.
Posted by: @DangerGirl (gab.ai) and her 1.21 Gigawatt SanityProd (tm) at April 26, 2017 09:23 PM (/o9Qk)

======

300 Pages just a let out a fart....

Posted by: Uber Lyft Driver at April 26, 2017 09:24 PM (8LaD4)

144 Get well soon. You post was a joy. You are absolutely right in saying you need to have a sense of humor. Plus the partner you pick in life will make all the difference. God Bless you my friend.

Posted by: trooperyork at April 26, 2017 09:25 PM (cJDvr)

145 I read it in college (recreational, not assigned) and couldn't understand what all the fuss was about.

Posted by: rickl at April 26, 2017 09:22 PM (sdi6R)

The beat generation was all about the promotion of mediocrity as genius.

I can almost excuse them ... you have to work with what you have.

Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at April 26, 2017 09:25 PM (zc3Db)

146 I had an emotionally abusive mother who insisted that I always say "please" and "thank you" to her but refused to reciprocate. When I asked her why, she said, "Because I don't have to be polite to YOU-- you're just a child, and you are nobody and nothing."

She was probably channeling the mother of the Menendezes.

Posted by: Deplorable Jay Guevara at April 26, 2017 09:25 PM (SRKgf)

147 Well said....

and I'll add.... I discovered an interesting thing in the Navy...

There is always a regulation that says no... and another that says yes...

So when you approach someone, you do it with 'what do I need to do to make this happen'... not 'hey bonehead, do your job'...

Hell... I once got my paperwork expedited for a 1.3 million dollar radar antenna.. by giving someone the ship's ballcap off my head... why? because HER Boss collected ballcaps...

Its amazing what you can get away with... I mean... accomplish... with a positive vice confrontational attitude...

Posted by: Don Q. at April 26, 2017 09:25 PM (NgKpN)

148 Gratitude is a stepping stone to happiness and joy.

Posted by: thathalfrican - be water my friend at April 26, 2017 09:25 PM (nDcc3)

149 My husband underwent a triple bypass this morning. He is recovering well except severe nausea from the pain killers. He is finally settling down and hopefully can rest tonight. I am so grateful for modern medicine. Without it he would probably be dead. The hospital staff are all wonderful people too.

Posted by: katya the designated driver at April 26, 2017 09:26 PM (QzKeM)

150 I never thought Hemingway was that great, either. Probably related to Atwood.

Posted by: Pogonip at April 26, 2017 09:21 PM (t9QjF)

I had to read The Old Man and the Sea in high school. I place it right up there with Vogon poetry. Jaws should have showed up around page 10 to put me out of my misery. I would have even settled for Richard Kiel

Posted by: TheQuietMan at April 26, 2017 09:26 PM (auHtY)

151 if you like pages long sentences, more power to you. It just exhausts me.

Posted by: @DangerGirl (gab.ai) and her 1.21 Gigawatt SanityProd (tm) at April 26, 2017 09:23 PM (/o9Qk)

Are we talking Hemingway...or Faulkner or Joyce?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 26, 2017 09:26 PM (rF0hx)

152 I can't believe Gutfeld graduated from Berkeley.

Posted by: Mortimer - Finish Her! at April 26, 2017 09:26 PM (Uxokn)

153 Wow Bcat that was really mean. I wonder how she came to think like that.

Posted by: freaked at April 26, 2017 09:26 PM (BO/km)

154 Which will be bought in the hundreds of thousands - direct from the
warehouse - by people whose identities cannot quite be traced.
---
or she will be like Gov Cuomo (sp?) of New Yak, who's book sold for shit, but who still made, IIRC, ~$700K in royalties.

Posted by: redc1c4 at April 26, 2017 09:26 PM (U/aau)

155 Katya, prayers for your husband. Hope he feels better.

Posted by: dantesed at April 26, 2017 09:27 PM (88xKn)

156 Thanks, dantesed.

Posted by: katya the designated driver at April 26, 2017 09:29 PM (QzKeM)

157 I had to read The Old Man and the Sea in high
school. I place it right up there with Vogon poetry. Jaws should have
showed up around page 10 to put me out of my misery. I would have even
settled for Richard Kiel

Posted by: TheQuietMan
****
After reading that book I wished he'd killed himself earlier.

Posted by: Tilikum Killer Assault Whale at April 26, 2017 09:29 PM (hVdx9)

158 Are we talking Hemingway...or Faulkner or Joyce?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 26, 2017 09:26 PM (rF0hx)

Yes.

Posted by: @DangerGirl (gab.ai) and her 1.21 Gigawatt SanityProd (tm) at April 26, 2017 09:29 PM (/o9Qk)

159 She was probably channeling the mother of the Menendezes.

She was born before the Menendezes' mother, so that mother was probably channeling mine.

Posted by: Basement Cat at April 26, 2017 09:29 PM (3C9q2)

160 Katya, I'm glad your husband came through ok. I wish him well.

Posted by: @DangerGirl (gab.ai) and her 1.21 Gigawatt SanityProd (tm) at April 26, 2017 09:29 PM (/o9Qk)

161 Obozo is considering surgery now that he's out of the White House. Soon when we call him a pussy, he'll actually be a pussy.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Doctor of Thinkology at April 26, 2017 08:33 PM (Nwg0u)

Obama goes in for sex-change surgery. In the pre-op conference, lead surgeon says, "OK, what we have to do is cut away everything that doesn't look like a pussy."

Junior surgeon says, "so we do nothing, then?"

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 26, 2017 09:31 PM (0deF2)

162 John Batchelor just said there are reports on Twitter of airstrikes at the Damascus airport.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 26, 2017 09:31 PM (IqV8l)

163 I thought the hippocampus was Trigglypuff's college?

Posted by: andycanuck at April 26, 2017 09:32 PM (nlbfN)

164 I'm grateful Warden's surgery went well.

Posted by: Emmie at April 26, 2017 09:32 PM (xVuS6)

165 katya the designated river,

Hang in there, best wishes for your husband.

Posted by: colfax mingo at April 26, 2017 09:33 PM (mc8bR)

166 Katya, prayers for a great recovery.

Posted by: Emmie at April 26, 2017 09:34 PM (xVuS6)

167 Ernest Hemingway
Posted by: @DangerGirl (gab.ai) and her 1.21 Gigawatt SanityProd (tm) at April 26, 2017 09:10 PM (/o9Qk)

For most of his stuff I would agree, but his submission of a sad, short story is poignant:

"For sale: Pair of baby shoes. Never worn."

Posted by: Aetius451AD's work phone at April 26, 2017 09:36 PM (SfJSp)

168 John Batchelor just said there are reports on Twitter of airstrikes at the Damascus airport.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 26, 2017 09:31 PM (IqV8l)

That's just arab pilots landing.

Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at April 26, 2017 09:36 PM (zc3Db)

169 Warden, First here's hoping for a quick and easy recovery.

Second: You nailed it, drugs or no drugs. Mrs. JB and I have always been polite with each other and able to laugh together. We have the best marriage I know and as good as any I've heard of. I'm not exaggerating.

The other really good marriages I know of have the same humor and courtesy.

We long ago learned that simple politeness and a sense of humor makes a huge difference in dealing with people. And that includes complimenting others. If a waiter/waitress or some service person is helpful, maybe even cheerful, I make sure to let their supervisor know that I appreciate their employee. Don't know if that helps their employment but the manager is always pleased at the comment and surprised that anyone took the small effort to tell them.

Posted by: JTB at April 26, 2017 09:36 PM (V+03K)

170 I just noticed a tiny (less than 1") frog hopping around the living room. Not sure what to do. I guess I should try to get it to hop on a piece of paper and then put it outside.

And excellent post, Warden. Many thanks.

Posted by: biancaneve at April 26, 2017 09:37 PM (QeLWM)

171 and I'll add.... I discovered an interesting thing in the Navy...

There is always a regulation that says no... and another that says yes...

So when you approach someone, you do it with 'what do I need to do to make this happen'... not 'hey bonehead, do your job'...

Hell... I once got my paperwork expedited for a 1.3 million dollar
radar antenna.. by giving someone the ship's ballcap off my head... why?
because HER Boss collected ballcaps...

---
THIS

i retired (no shit) as an SP4/SPC with over 19 years in grade. i got shit done that people with vastly moar rank and authority couldn't, because i just w*rked the creases, edges and angles...

you're checking in our MILES gear, here's a couple 12 packs of soda for you, cause it's hot as hell in this warehouse...

the missing $7 keys and broken wires, etc, were suddenly no longer a problem, as long as the large piece count was right.

the Brigade HHC that was running the school didn't request BII gear for all the vehicles from Camp Roberts MATES? not a problem... "Hey MSG, if i lay it all out, and do all the hand receipts, can someone on the signature card come over and pick them up?" (he'd told the XO and S-4 to FOAD, as the 90 day window allowed him to.

Posted by: redc1c4 at April 26, 2017 09:37 PM (U/aau)

172 Warden: "but I know that the actual practice of politics has very little impact on our daily lives."

Unless you're talking about something I don't understand with "actual practice of politics", we must live in different countries.

Politics - that, is govt. - has a large and growing impact on my life, all of it negative, all of it inexcusable. Direct, and measurable, in several respects.

Yep, that bad.

The minor surgery you had (and get well very soon with that), for example, would, entirely due to politics, be a huge financial body blow to many here who formerly wouldn't have worried (because they'd always had reasonable coverage for a very affordable cost). So now they "go naked" - no insurance. First time in their lives. Not young people. Insane - but a rational choice, when the alternative is ruining your ongoing finances.

From hobbies (yes) to cost of living to essential (and formerly easily handled) thinks like health insurance, "politics" in many places has begun to hollow out the finances and freedom of many Americans.

You've lost interest in it, but it hasn't lost interest in you, even if (as it appears) you are among those not targeted ..... so far.

Posted by: rhomboid at April 26, 2017 09:37 PM (+wjl1)

173 Yes.

Posted by: @DangerGirl (gab.ai) and her 1.21 Gigawatt SanityProd (tm) at April 26, 2017 09:29 PM (/o9Qk)

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 26, 2017 09:37 PM (rF0hx)

174 Never thank you, mister! It's a sign of weakness.

Question: Should we all hate a person who responds to a thank you with a no problem-o instead of a you're welcome?

Posted by: Headless Body of Agnew at April 26, 2017 09:38 PM (e1mEI)

175 There isn't any question in my mind that at least part of this is due
to the fact that we always do our best to remember and use the name of
everyone on staff, to stay positive, and to say please and thank you
even when we're in pain or distress.

So. when Pooky got moved to the "regular hospital" after his overdose, in walks the African nurse that had me while I was recovering from a shattered tibia. He laughed and told Pooky that "she did not tell me she was married at the time!" and recounted our conversation about his use of the letter "u." All because I took pains to remember the name of the nurse who fought for me against my resident doctor and refused to faint when my bone fragments would pop loudly. Gratitude is indeed a powerful thing.

Posted by: pookysgirl at April 26, 2017 09:38 PM (ar2KI)

176 Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 26, 2017 09:37 PM (rF0hx)

Let me inform you of something, my dear friend.

I can roll my eyes with the best of them. I have sprained my eye muscles by doing so. You, my friend, are no eye-roller.

Posted by: @DangerGirl (gab.ai) and her 1.21 Gigawatt SanityProd (tm) at April 26, 2017 09:39 PM (/o9Qk)

177 The only thing I remember about the Old Man and the Sea was the part where he ate the tuna made me hungry for sushi. I guess it took some skill to do that.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at April 26, 2017 09:39 PM (vRcUp)

178 Great post! I read nothing but funny books when I was recovering from surgery and watched a lot of George of the Jungle. Laughter truly is the best medicine!

Posted by: Banana Splits Guy at April 26, 2017 09:40 PM (jHFYS)

179 You only get one shot at life.

I refuse to spend the time I have being a ... humorless scold.
---

There's a bit in Pride and Prejudice where Mr. Darcy admits that he's not good at socializing. Elizabeth calls him out, and says she's not as good as sh would like at piano, but that's her fault. She needs to practice.

Now... a true story. I used work with a hardcore liberal-- he really liked Howard Dean, and was a union president. Admitted to liking lots of the parts of Communism. That being said, he had no social skills with women, and was generally a miserable person. People felt sorry for him.

I did not. He made the choice to be miserable, and he made the choice to be socially inept.

Let's not choose to be humorless scolds.

Posted by: shibumi at April 26, 2017 09:41 PM (FkAXz)

180 braaaiiiins
http://tinyurl.com/kmb9u8r

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at April 26, 2017 09:41 PM (6FqZa)

181 If Bush supposebly killed Christopher Reeve because he supposebly banned stem cell research, why isn't obama's fault that Jonathan Demme, hollywood director, died?

Posted by: Soothsayerwing Plover at April 26, 2017 08:57 PM (NdWo2)

I thought Reagan killed Christopher Reeve because he blocked legislation to put mandatory airbags on horses?

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 26, 2017 09:41 PM (0deF2)

182 170 I just noticed a tiny (less than 1") frog hopping around the living room. Not sure what to do. I guess I should try to get it to hop on a piece of paper and then put it outside.

Posted by: biancaneve at April 26, 2017 09:37 PM (QeLWM)

I keep old peanut butter and mayonnaise jars around with pieces of cardboard to catch spiders and release them outside.

A 1" frog? Do you live in the Amazon? If it's brightly colored, it's probably deadly poisonous.

Posted by: rickl at April 26, 2017 09:42 PM (sdi6R)

183 Shovel that into Hillary's ear (or Biden's or Warren's), and they'll be all revved up to go, for 2020.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at April 26, 2017 09:43 PM (vRcUp)

184 The secret to happiness isn't getting what you want, it's wanting what you get.

Posted by: Jaqen H'ghar at April 26, 2017 09:43 PM (5fSr7)

185 You, my friend, are no eye-roller.

Posted by: @DangerGirl (gab.ai) and her 1.21 Gigawatt SanityProd (tm) at April 26, 2017 09:39 PM (/o9Qk)

I am a competent eye-roller. Certainly on the cusp of professional.

But my sneer is without peer.

There is no emoji that can do it justice.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 26, 2017 09:43 PM (rF0hx)

186 Warden, I am very happy you came through the surgery well. Humor and kindness go a long, long way in life.

katya, prayers for you and your husband as well (you too, Warden!)

Posted by: moki at April 26, 2017 09:46 PM (V+V48)

187 Warden.......thank you for your thoughts. So true, so true!

Posted by: westminsterdogshow at April 26, 2017 09:46 PM (mMeIQ)

188 And whom would YOU dishonor with that title?

Posted by: Pogonip at April 26, 2017 09:06 PM (t9QjF)

CanLit, aka "Canadian Literature". Margaret Atwood has poisoned the well. Robertson Davies is reputed to be a pretty good author, but he's CanLit, and thanks to Maggot's maunderings, I won't buy CanLit.

Sucks to be you, Bob.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 26, 2017 09:47 PM (0deF2)

189 A Day With Immigrants?

The firings could be epic this time.

Posted by: Meremortal at April 26, 2017 09:48 PM (3myMJ)

190
The secret to happiness isn't getting what you want, it's wanting what you get.
Posted by: Jaqen H'ghar

Take what you want!

Posted by: Jem'Hadar at April 26, 2017 09:49 PM (IqV8l)

191 Saw a funny bumper sticker today....
"Government Philosophy: if it isn't broken, fix it until it is"

Posted by: lindarose at April 26, 2017 09:50 PM (kufk0)

192 The secret to happiness isn't getting what you want, it's wanting what you get.

Posted by: Jaqen H'ghar

Words to live by.

Posted by: Judge Smails at April 26, 2017 09:50 PM (vRcUp)

193 Scientist at Penn State thinks there might have been an alien civilisation on Mars or Venus:
http://tinyurl.com/khfwz4l

He's talking theoreticals, so, no, there's no evidence. But he's saying it might be found some day.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at April 26, 2017 09:51 PM (6FqZa)

194 A Day With Immigrants?
-----------------------
Hah! I'm not going anywhere.
Neither is Melania Trump.

I am sick and tired of our rulers deliberately confusing illegals with legal immigrants.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at April 26, 2017 09:51 PM (0jtPF)

195 A wonderful piece Warden and to every one recovering from an illness.

Thank you Ace for this site and Thank you every one that posts here.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 26, 2017 09:52 PM (p+V1j)

196 ONT is up.

Posted by: Uber Lyft Driver at April 26, 2017 09:52 PM (8LaD4)

197 Beautiful post, Warden. I hope you make a quick recovery.

Hoplite Husband and I have always stressed to our kids the importance of saying "please" and "thank you", but it's shocking how surprised people are by kids showing basic manners. Definitely a sad commentary on society. A flight attendant told my 9-year-old daughter she wanted to hire her to teach adults how to be polite on the aircraft. Yeah, it was a United flight.

Posted by: Hoplite Housewife at April 26, 2017 09:52 PM (hYNPr)

198 "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you get what you need."

People tend to expect too must. Life is about Warren's post. Be thankful for what you have, strive for what you want, and be satisfied and grateful for that fact that you are alive.

Grandchildren are a blessing we are grateful for everyday.

Posted by: colfax mingo at April 26, 2017 09:52 PM (mc8bR)

199 My natural attitude is bitchy, so I've worked very hard over the years to restrain my natural bitchy instinct and try to be a nice person. It's a conscious decision. I say please and thank you and look out for people who need a helping hand. I know there are times when I'm in my head and oblivious to what's going on around me and that's when I ignore the social courtesies, but I try very hard to pay attention to the little things. Kindness counts.

Posted by: biancaneve at April 26, 2017 09:53 PM (QeLWM)

200 Amen!

Posted by: Pete Seria at April 26, 2017 09:53 PM (lJW6d)

201 193
He's talking theoreticals, so, no, there's no evidence. But he's saying it might be found some day.
Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at April 26, 2017 09:51 PM (6FqZa)
-----------------------
Not just "life," but "civilization," eh?

Oh, go for broke, Mr. Science. Claim there are sparkly lavender unicorns.
Theoretically.
Might find 'em.
Someday.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at April 26, 2017 09:54 PM (0jtPF)

202 I am a competent eye-roller. Certainly on the cusp of professional.

But my sneer is without peer.

There is no emoji that can do it justice.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 26, 2017 09:43 PM (rF0hx)

PPPPSSSSSHHHHHHTTTTT. Whatever.

Heading to bed. Nighty night, 'rons.

It's been a shitfuck of a week. Taking Friday off from work.

Posted by: @DangerGirl (gab.ai) and her 1.21 Gigawatt SanityProd (tm) at April 26, 2017 09:54 PM (/o9Qk)

203 Dennis Prager makes a big point regarding gratitude.

A quote:
"There is an inverse relationship between expectations and gratitude: The more expectations you have, the less gratitude you will have."

And, the more unhappy you will be.

That certainly seems to apply to millennials, or at least the SJW's. It probably applies to children in general these days, they have come to expect everything to be easy, and handed to them. A birthright.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 26, 2017 09:54 PM (OdK9v)

204 illness, a speedy recovery.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 26, 2017 09:56 PM (p+V1j)

205 201
Oh, go for broke, Mr. Science. Claim there are sparkly lavender unicorns.
Theoretically.
Might find 'em.
Someday.
Posted by: Margarita DeVille at April 26, 2017 09:54 PM (0jtPF)

I'm not saying that the intelligent aliens' progeny are cats. But they're cats. The true rulers of Earth.

Posted by: rickl at April 26, 2017 09:57 PM (sdi6R)

206 Well, here it is, another tropical morning in paradise, Sri Lanka (yeah, sure).

Beautiful ocean that you can't swim in, because all the raw sewage that is flushed out there, and all the pathogens in the water.
People here are largely very, very nice. It makes you want to be nice back. Many religions, but the culture is Buddhist. It influences everything.

I think also the effort of personal niceness helps to overcome the grinding poverty in much of the country, and the fact it is blazing hot all the time.

Posted by: Bossy Conservative....Live from Sri Lanka! at April 26, 2017 10:04 PM (x52iK)

207 Beautifully written Warden. I look forward to your thoughtful posts. Prayers for a smooth recovery. Surgery is always scary.

Eromero, prayers for your recovery too, and for acceptance and appreciation of your life as it is now. I'm 30 years past a cancer that should have gotten me, and while I'm not able to do all I want physically, I try to remain grateful that I'm still here and able to enjoy life. I get discouraged, but try to stop and "count my blessings". I hope you can too.

Posted by: Just wondering at April 26, 2017 10:18 PM (WBYpW)

208 off sock

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at April 26, 2017 10:19 PM (ieXn8)

209 I finally conned, I mean proposed, to the love of my life for more than 20 years, and I sent this to her, I think she will appreciate it, because even _I_ (I'm not always wicked, sometimes I'm poetic, you Morons just don't rate that shit) thought this is something that should be stored in a journal and auctioned off as an example.

Posted by: wickedpinto at April 26, 2017 10:19 PM (CIpNU)

210 You wrote this at the right time for me Warden, thank you.

Posted by: wickedpinto at April 26, 2017 10:20 PM (CIpNU)

211 Warden you're the best.

Posted by: concrete girl at April 26, 2017 10:33 PM (PWNxU)

212 Obama goes in for sex-change surgery.

HA! I inverted that punks dick a long time ago.

Posted by: Michelle at April 26, 2017 10:40 PM (kaCWe)

213 It's nood isn't it? _always late.

Posted by: gNewt's fire Ryan & Mitch 1 -wake up Don at April 26, 2017 10:44 PM (kaCWe)

214 Warden,

Thank you for this.

God bless you and yours.

Posted by: Pug Mahon aka the Deplorable P.U.G. at April 26, 2017 11:03 PM (cpAMo)

215 Well I am a RN now, but back in the days I was a student nurse at a local hospital. I remember all the nurses kept telling about this elder man who the call cutie pie. It was cutie pie this and cutie pie that. They loved him so. I was jealous, for at the time I was 55 years young and i was to be the favorite. I said to myself, "I will find out why this guy is called cutie pie, why he gets all the attention." I did find out. He smiled, said please and thank you, and all the while looking you in the eyes. Because of this cutie pie got more attentions and service. He got to live longer too. I found out bitches get poor treatment, while cutie pies rule. Best to be a cutie pie. Lv ya Sgt Pete RN

Posted by: Peter at April 26, 2017 11:37 PM (7rBgF)

216 Well written, even if you are still loaded from surgery. Sometimes, I get overloaded, stressed to the point of breaking. Then I get on AOSHQ, and I find out that i am the not the only moron going thru hard times.. When I had some really bad days, the HQ gang helped me through. I mean, things looked grim, bleak, without hope. Suicidal, gun to the head shit. These idiots really helped me through the rough spots. Best of wishes from a total stranger you will never meet. Jason j, Tucson

Just for the record, things are going very well for me now, lots of work in my field, maybe a too bit much. I would rather be bitching about work, than be bitching about not working. Thanks to Ace and the co bloggers that emailed me to make sure I was ok a few years ago. We go through life, not knowing how many lives we touch, or how profoundly those interactions impact a total stranger. Jason J, Tucson AOFSHQ lurker, sometimes contributor.

Posted by: jasonj at April 26, 2017 11:41 PM (/ojGX)

217 I've seen you comment over the years buried in the details. Good to see you get top billing.

I think you may be the deep soul of the ewok.

Please, and thank you, sir, m'amm.

Posted by: Derak at April 26, 2017 11:41 PM (JO8tG)

218 She was literally at my bedside for the entire three weeks of my bone marrow transplant. Not fun. But she loves me. They put me on something called Adavan so I don't remember much but she remembers every detail. Even the 2am, 4am and 5am wake ups. She's the best!! Humor is good but she says that I wasn't very funny in there. Oh well. I tried.

Posted by: Larry Geiger at April 27, 2017 07:57 AM (QpgDv)

219 Great post. Thanks, Warden. Can I crib some of this for my husband's (eventual) eulogy? (He's a lot older than I am, so I assume . . . you know.)

Also, I second Jason's comment in #216.

Posted by: You Heard Me at April 27, 2017 08:09 AM (DMyvQ)

220 Warden, read Dr.Mutter's Marvels. Then you'll really be grateful for modern medicine. I read it when my youngest child was going through the whole process of having surgery. We are blessed to be living in these times as far as medicine goes.

Posted by: Dang at April 27, 2017 09:13 AM (8i/gZ)

221 God bless you, Jasonj. Been there. Had a hard time praying so I think others stepped into that void and did it for me. And yeah, tho is a great place for me to vent. I don't think anyone here realizes how much it means to me when they tell me I made them laugh. Makes my day.

Posted by: Dang at April 27, 2017 09:17 AM (8i/gZ)

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