Where Have You Gone Ernie D?
Well, he’s safely tucked away in my sports card album. Before the gym rat Billy Donovan, there was the fabulous Ernie D.
Keith, this one’s for you.
Category: General
The Highway of Life
For the most part, I drive the speed limit. Okay, okay within 5 mph of the speed limit anyway. I was thrilled when the speed limit on Alabama interstate highways was raised to 70 mph a few years back because I had always found that pace to be a comfortable cruising speed. Add to that the 5 mph cushion that most cops will allow as a margin of error, and I never really felt the need to go much faster, especially with young drivers and drivers-to-be scrutinizing my every move from the backseat.
But yesterday while driving back from Orange Beach, it was brought home to me anew just how slowly I drive compared to my peers.… Read the rest
Mirth as Salve
I perceive the ability to laugh as a supremely sane and intelligent response to both the trials and the pleasures of life. Sometimes it is the foundation and outward sign of courage.
Reverend Glover in Anne Perry’s Brunswick Gardens
And now you know why I try so hard.
Keyboard Koping
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Matthew 6:27
A patient of mine is suffering from depression and anxiety. He’s trying out a new medication and is seeing a psychologist to learn strategies for coping with the stresses and messes of daily living. I saw him recently and asked him how he was doing.
“Much better, Doc, thanks for asking,” he replied. “Whenever my mind starts to get too full, I just hit the ‘Delete’ button.”
Note to self: Give that a whirl. If that doesn’t work, hit “Esc.”
Three Things I’m Trying to Figure Out
Here are three things I’m trying to figure out:
- Why schools are giving so much homework these days (Allison, who really wants to be a Tar Heel anyway?)
- Why a high school student would actually like homework (Jennifer dear, get a life)
- What’s causing all those thumping noises in my house at 3:00am (Get in Bed! NOW!)
After I get a grip on these, I’ll start on how spending $32 million on a football coach will improve the the quality of academics at the University of Alabama (there may be more to that answer than meets the eye).
C’est la vie
Among the immutable facts of life this morning:
- A new Bama head football coach will be greeted at the airport like a Messiah
- Relatives will get together over the holidays and pass both the good cheer and the common cold from one person to another
- No matter how much vacation you take from work, it’s never enough
- A boss will overlook the 99 things you did right and focus on the one thing you did wrong
- The new party in power will “usher in a new era” with overdone rhetoric and revelry
Please feel free to pitch in with a few immutable facts of your own.… Read the rest
U Can’t Touch This
The latest Google search string leading to Ocular Fusion:
Is that anything like Hammer Time?
More Weighty Matters-Prayers Please
Like I said, there are more weighty matters than college football.
My office is across the street from Huntsville Hospital. I noticed a few moments ago more than the usual number of ambulances making their way down Governors Drive. My wife just called me, and now I know why.
A school bus has gone over an overpass on I-565. There are fatalities (at least 3 students) and several critical injuries. You can watch live local feed here.
Prayers please.
I Am a Civilized Man (Mostly)
One year ago, I put on my first pair of no-line bifocals.
Forty-five years ago, I was born during Kennedy’s “Camelot.”
Like King Arthur, I must remind you that I am a civilized man.
With occasional lapses.
Running From The Reaper
My father died of his third heart attack at the age of 47. His brother had the first of several heart attacks at age 50. For a long time now, I’ve known that I’m going to have to run a little harder from The Reaper than most. If there’s one thing you can’t deny, it’s your DNA.
I’ve always worked hard to maintain a decent weight and I’ve been running regularly all my adult life. But since I turned forty, I’ve noticed the pounds creeping up and last winter after an extended bout of bronchitis and inactivity, things really got out of hand.… Read the rest
I Can See Clearly Now
There’s nothing like a 12-mile run in sub-30 degree temperatures to open up the mind and clear out the cobwebs.
I can see clearly now, the fog is gone.
Or maybe it’s just the endorphins talking.
The Lawnmower Man–A Reprise
I posted this story about one of my patients about a year ago. Not many of you were around then, so I decided to give it another run in the likely case that you missed it the first time.
I think “Mr. Skinner” would approve.
Now This Is More Like It
Landing in the top 5 Google hits for the search term “bushy haired nerd” was a little unnerving.
But getting a hit for the term “straight college studs” is a little more like it.
I’m sure Eyegal is nodding in agreement.… Read the rest
A Delightful Denouement
Integrity–and mirth–until all is said and done.
I want you to know that I am in no pain. I am very comfortable. And I have had as a happy a life as anyone on this earth could possibly have.
May we all experience such a delightful denouement. (Hat tip to Professor Elrod)
And may your comings and goings be blessed and God-drenched this holiday weekend.