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Tuesday, April 07, 2015

Take The Good With The Bad

I hate licorice.  I can't stand the taste, the smell, or even the look of the nasty substance.  It reminds me of what a Greyhound bus filled with drunk politicians must smell like.  I like Red Vines and Twizzlers, but no licorice.  It's probably one of the reasons I face so much anxiety when buying assorted jelly beans - those nasty little buggers are in there right alongside my delicious green apple, the mouth-watering watermelon, or my incredible orange jelly beans. It took me a long time to get over those moments of extreme stress, but I have finally done it.  I think I'm ready to get a bag of assorted jelly beans and just pick out the licorice-flavored pollutants.

Sometimes, we just have to take the good with the bad.

This applies, of course, to every aspect of our lives.  Whether it be politics, geography, weather, or even faith groups, there's always going to be something that is disgusting, something that turns your stomach.  Don't get me wrong - I live to bitch about these things right along with you, but I guess 50 is a good age to start realizing that "there's nothing new under the sun," and that sometimes even the best pie in the world can be found with a hair poking out. 

I've been pretty open with everyone about my health issues, my battles with the Veterans Administration, and of course, the minor victories and good news as well.  I've told you how there are days when I want to cook my head in the microwave, and about the days I feel so wonderful that I could compose a symphony.  My health has kind of reached a place where I have more poopie days than I do great days, but you know what?  Even the worst days are better than no days.  I'm happy (and quite surprised) to be alive right now, pleased that I have friends who care and check in on me once in a while with a text message, an email, Facebook message, or sometimes a phone call. 

I'm really proud of how my kids are handling their dad going from the top of the heap to the bottom of the septic tank.  They are all great children who are each blazing a trail on their own, free thinkers who aren't afraid to ask real questions and demand real answers.

Go hug somebody's neck today.  Look them in the eye and tell them you appreciate them.  Call your Mom - she wants to hear from you.  Tell your kids that you value them for who they are.  Thank a veteran. 

Life is good.  Living life is fun.  Loving and being loved are priceless.  Black licorice still sucks, but those yummy green apple...


Gorilla