There isn’t much that is as disappointing as a broken promise.  It just plain sucks when that happens. Too bad people don’t take promises more seriously, or bother to think about the ramifications if they brake the promise.

It happens in our personal lives, and it happens, in business, and it even happens in friendship, and just about anywhere that 2 parties make agreements.

Seems lately, well I guess not really just lately – that people, corporations, and our government all want to bail out of promises that they made in the past to other people and communities. Many of those promises were made involved perceived long term commitments, which ultimately favored both parties – as long as the promises were kept.

Its very disheartening to read and hear about these incidents, where at one time an agreement is struck, only later to have one party or the other (and sometimes both) decide to break the promise.

Almost always innocent people get hurt, because the promises made are broken, and it really makes me upset. I don’t like it, or agree with that as a solution – most of the time.

People working for long periods of time promised pensions when they retire, only to see the promise broken, and the payout reduced or changed from what was promised is not right.

Companies that get major tax relief in the form of abatements, then later close the plant – should be billed for the lost taxes that they only got, because of a promise or agreement that was broken.

In this crazy world of litigation that we live in, those broken promises often result in lawsuits – where we expect a judge and/or jury to determine when the “law” is broken.

The law looks at promises as though they were “contracts” (verbal or written) -agreements all the same. Unfortunately, lawsuits isn’t always in the best interest of the people involved and rulings resulting from the lawsuits don’t often occur until years later. The legal manipulation by the litigants, can tie the court cases up for years and years, and cost lots and lots of money. Promises broken have a price and the parties involved have to decide what the promise is worth. Is the litigation and time and bad feelings and cost – worth pursuing? Sadly, often times it is not.

The sad thing is that the reason behind a broken promise isn’t really that hard to figure out. The reality is that the party braking the promise simply just doesn’t care. More often than not, they get away without remorse, or retribution.

To far too many people, its just words (written or spoken) – and they didn’t really mean them. They just used them to get what they wanted – at the time.  That seems so selfish and unethical to me.

If a promise must be broken, at least have the guts to admit that you are doing it – and that you are willing to help make it right – as best that you can.

I realize that this is often impossible, in some folks minds – but without even trying is worse – in my mind.

After all – a promise is a promise.

 

Hopeful, Cheerful, Careful, Useful, Lawful, Joyful, Resourceful, Respectful, Delightful, Beautiful, Faithful – simply by adding 3 little letters a word becomes even more fuller! (Its okay –  yes, fuller is being used incorrectly as it means to crease, make folds, or form grooves – but, it helps get the point across, so indulge me)

Those 3 letters are used to form adjectives from nouns.

Full of, tending to, or thoroughly possessing the quality expressed by the noun.

Noun – a word used as the designation or appellation of a creature or thing, existing in fact or in thought.

Full of Hope, Joy, Respect, Delight, Faith, or Beauty is a great way to explain just “how much”.

Full, to me means that there isn’t any room left – it is all taken up, and no voids exist to be able to add more.

That feeling when there is no room left – I’m sooooo full, after eating too much.

When whatever you are filling starts to overflow the container.

Fulfill is a verb, not a noun. It means to fill up; to make full or complete. And it also means, to accomplish or carry into effect, as an intention, promise, or prophecy, a desire, prayer, or requirement.

Be careful though, don’t overdo it to the point of being “stuffed”, as that crosses over from being cheerful to uncomfortable.

Regardless if its a adjective that’s thoroughly possessing the quality expressed of a noun, or a verb like fulfill – It is amazingly appropriate at this time of the year.

There was no room in the Inn as it was full, but Mary and Joseph were still faithful. The inn keeper was resourceful. The wise men were hopeful. The baby was beautiful. The heavens and earth were joyful.

My wish to you in this season of Hope & Joy,  is that it’s filled with Wonder.

We live in frustrating times.  Everything seems to be such a struggle anymore. Turmoil everywhere. bad news upon more bad news. And, then there is the mess called politics.

I try so hard to not dislike anyone, but I find myself having difficulty doing that lately.  Seems like the world is becoming more imbalanced, with an abundance of imbalanced people.

Apparently, the rationing out of bad ideas, poor behavior, and dumbness – is an equal opportunity provision. Both political parties are chock full of these types. Both genders, all races and nationalities. Its almost frightening to think that these “people” are in charge of important things, and making decisions that impact everyone else.

Unfortunately, it seems like most of society either complains loudly about the people that they oppose or they sit on the couch and watch the show with a big bucket of popcorn – like the situation is a scene from a movie, or reality television show.  I think many just hope the show gets canceled, because they feel powerless in doing anything at all. Sometimes, I do both – but usually not at the same time.

My last blog started off mentioning that I read an opinion that politics today lacks humor. No one can laugh at themselves anymore. You have to be super cautious about saying anything, for fear you will upset some faction or group of people.

Yeah, I get that, but I think the thing that is really missing is respect, not humor.

When people stop respecting each other, they close off – they shut their ears, eyes, and heart.  Not having respect eliminates seeing the other side, listening to other ideas, and caring about anyone else that opposed you.  It is a sad and terrible thing – inside and outside of politics.

When people outside politics lose respect for each other or anyone else, the building blocks of society begin to crumble. Neighbors helping neighbors cease to exist, and neighborhoods die off.

When political leaders lose respect for each other, the building blocks of governance begin to crumble. Governance and society is how mankind has survived since forever. Yes, there have always been times when philosophical differences as to how the governance on societies should be administered and on which society or nation.

Yes, there are times when certain people do not deserve your respect – it is something that should be earned, and not simply given away for free. There should be a price for respect, and that price is respect reciprocated back.

Interestingly, even military history shows that lack of respect creates problems both with their own ranks, and also between themselves and their enemies. Without it the chain of command is broken and is meaningless. There is a reason most experienced leaders believe they must show their enemy respect.  Without it, there can be no peace. A treaty or ceasefire is not taken seriously.

I pray that people will change – that they will open their eyes and ears to see and hear not just what they want to, but everything all viewpoints. I pray that they open their hearts, to care about everyone – even people that are not just like themselves.

Yes, that may be considered naïve by many – but, at this time, it is what I am capable of doing, so – that is what I will do.

After all, I can’t fix stupid.

 

 

 

Today, I read an article on the CNN website that Politics today lacks humor. It was stated by Alan Simpson during his eulogy for the late president George H.W. Bush.

So, I started thinking and was going to delve into what I thought was really missing from politics today – for my blog today.

Then, the oddest thing happened and the following resulted. Crazy how my brain works, so – my synopsis on the current political situation will just have to wait.

Thank goodness for that, huh?

 

1 – One, Uno, Singular, Alone, Sole, Unique

Interesting findings from Wikipedia include –

In Mathematics,  1 is the natural number that follows 0 and precedes 2 and the multiplicative identity element of the integers, real numbers and complex numbers.

By definition, 1 is the magnitude, absolute value, or norm of a unit complex number, unit vector, and a unit matrix (more usually called an identity matrix).

It is also the probability of an event that is almost certain to occur.

In Science, Dimensionless quantities are also known as quantities of dimension one.

1 is the atomic number of hydrogen. And, +1 is the electric charge of positrons and protons.

In Philosophy, One is the ultimate reality and source of all existence. Philo of Alexandria (20 BC – AD 50) regarded the number one as God’s number, and the basis for all numbers

In Other words,

1 is the value of an ace in many playing card games. In baseball scoring, the number 1 is assigned to the pitcher. According to 3 Dog Night, “1 is the loneliest number”.

The beginning, once upon a time…

One way, One place at a time, One party, One heart, One King, One God – just, One.

One is more than nothing, and less than two.

One requires faith

 

2 – Two, Duo, Pair, Twins, Dual

Interesting findings from Wikipedia include –

In Mathematics, Two is the smallest prime number and the only even prime number (for this reason it is sometimes called “the oddest prime”). An integer is called even if it is divisible by 2. Two is the base of the binary system

In Science, 2 is the number of polynucleotide strands in a DNA double helix.

2 is the first magic number. 2 is the atomic number of helium. And, 2 is the number of brain and cerebellar hemispheres.

In Religion, 2 is important in Judaism, with one of the earliest references being that God ordered Noah to put two of every animal in his ark. Later on, the Ten Commandments were given in the form of two tablets.  In Jewish law, the testimonies of two witnesses are required to verify and validate events, such as marriage, divorce, and a crime that warrants capital punishment.

In Other words, 2 in baseball scorekeeping, is the position of the catcher.  In Chinese culture, 2 is considered a good number. The most common philosophical dichotomy is perhaps the one of good and evil, but there are many others. According to both Tina Turner and Rod Stewart ” It Takes Two”.

Two way player, Two party system, Good things come in Pairs, Two if by Sea, 2 Hearts beating as 1, and All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth.

Two follows One, and precedes Three.

Two generates love, based on faith.

 

3 – Three, Treo, Thrice, Triple, Triad

Interesting findings from Wikipedia include –

In Mathematics, Three is the number of non-collinear points needed to determine a plane and a circle. 3 is the first odd prime number and the second smallest prime. 3 is the smallest number of sides that a simple (non-self-intersecting) polygon can have.

According to Pythagoras and the Pythagorean school, the number 3, which they called triad, is the noblest of all digits, as it is the only number to equal the sum of all the terms below it, and the only number whose sum with those below equals the product of them and itself.

In Science, Three is the atomic number of lithium. Three is the ASCII code of “End of Text”.

Three is the number of dimensions that humans can perceive. Humans perceive the universe to have three spatial dimensions.  Also, the ability of the human eye to distinguish colors is based upon the varying sensitivity of different cells in the retina to light of different wavelengths. Humans being trichromatic, the retina contains three types of color receptor cells, or cones.

In Religion, many world religions contain triple deities or concepts of trinity.

Christianity refers to 3 gifts from the Magi, Christ rose from the dead after 3 days, Peter denied knowing Jesus 3 times, Jesus was tempted 3 times in the Garden, the Holy Trinity

In Other words, Three remains the largest number still written with the number of lines corresponding to the value.  To this day, 3 is written as three lines in Roman and Chinese numerals. 3 in baseball scorekeeping, is the position of the 1st base.  Wait, What? Who’s on 1st??

3 in a row wins in Tic,Tac, Toe and according to Lynyrd Skynyrd “Gimme 3 Steps ” is a great lyric, while for the Commodores it was “Three Times A Lady”.

I think I still have a 3 piece suit (is that still around?), Three sheets to the wind (wonder what that means? LOL), you have to try that Triple Decker sandwich, and what about the 3 Musketeers (candy bar, story, or both), and some might say, 3 Strikes & you’re out. Teachers say 1, 2, 3  – Eyes on me.

Three follows two.

One seemed like it was so alone, until 2 came along – and that seems to have led to 3.

Three generates hope, based on love.

It has always been very difficult for me to let things go, or not worry about things – of which I really have no control over.  Yeah, I know – that is very dumb of me.

I know better than anyone, that if I can’t control those things, I should just let it go, but that is easier said than done.

I hear or read about stuff, and true to my problem solving nature, begin to figure out how to fix the problem, or find a way to make it better.  That is just how I’m wired and no matter how hard I try to stop reacting that way – I can’t.

I suppose part of the issue is that once I know about it – I can’t just ignore it. Sometimes I keep my opinion to myself, but more often than not – I tell someone just what I think about the situation, along with

a) why the problem exists,

b) my idea of the solution to fix it, including what or how to do it.

After hearing or reading about a problem or situation, I usually investigate and find out more about it – that usually cements my intrigue, and then – its too late – I can’t just ignore it.

Opinions – I formulate lots of them just about for everything and anything. Sometimes, I just keep them bottled up, waiting for anyone to ask the question – So, what do you think about…

Sometimes, after doing the research, I will document my findings and creative solutions – waiting for a potential opportunity in the future to share them.

Yes, I know – it’s kind of silly isn’t it?  After all, I could just ignore the problems and not spend my time thinking about ways to fix them, and instead find a better use of my time.

But, that’s just not in my nature and I don’t think it ever will be.

Bottom line – Although it may be easier said than done, I’ve never been one to take the easy road when it comes to finding potential solutions, and if its worth doing, it is worth doing right.  Right?

 

Life can be very busy, at times.

The amount of “things to do” and items on the agenda can really add up quickly. Sometimes there seems to be a drastic imbalance between that, and the time needed to accomplish those goals.

I’m usualy not a procrastinator, most likely the result of my upbringing in which that trait just wasn’t tolerated, but lately – it seems I’m embracing the idea more and more.

Self Motivation is a funny thing.

Who would have thought that you have to work at it so much. It gets tiring and tedious telling yourself to get up and “do that thing that needs to get done”, unless of course, it has suddenly blown up into an emergency situation. That always take top priority and immediate attention.

Then, there are all those things that you really, really, really want to do, but you don’t do because if you did you would feel bad that the more important things were overlooked to do what you wanted to do, instead of what you needed to do. Sigh …

Gonna have to work on that.

When I find the time …

 

Have you ever gotten a new toy as a gift – and found yourself just sitting and staring at it, thinking Wow, just Wow!

Well, that’s a bit how I’m feeling now.

Its not like I don’t have a bunch of stuff on my mind, its more like trying to figure out the best way to unload it, without making it sound terrible.  This is actually going to be great for me, because I will have to think before I type now.

Not a bad thing, believe me – and thank goodness for the backspace button!

Christmas will be here soon. The family parties have been scheduled. I have always enjoyed our get togethers and having the opportunity to visit with everyone.

My eldest sister suggested that we put together a video of photos from past Christmas parties. It will give us all something to watch, laugh at, and talk about – reminiscing over good times together.  So, I started to look for photos for the project.

We have lots and lots of old photo albums stored away downstairs, which held the treasure of faded, blurry, and yellow tinted photographs.  You may recall those as the kind that were used before digital photos caused the demise of Kodak and Polaroid, BUT eliminated wasting flashbulbs and snapshots of photos with closed eyes or double exposures. Technology is a wonderful thing, in some causes.

Anyways, looking through the photo albums while hunting for old Aubry Family Christmas photos ended up like taking a walk down memory lane. Unfortunately, I didn’t find very many the photos I was actually looking for, but it was so much fun remembering the past events that were captured on film.  More than once I caught myself, laughing out loud or wondering about the person in the photo from 20, 30, 40 or 50 years ago.

Way back when, the film developing places that you took the rolls of film to, would offer “doubles” – basically it was two photos of every picture taken on the roll for a discounted price. While reviewing the boxes and boxes of photos, it clarified exactly why digital replaced film. Taking a good photo with film must have been a whole lot tougher than most will recall, based on the immense amount of truly out of focus, and just plain bad snapshots we had kept.

Not having instant access to what was captured on the film was a lot like Christmas morning, when you weren’t exactly sure what was wrapped up in the gift box. It may be what you wanted – and then again, it may not.

 

 

 

I’ve always wanted to capture my thoughts and ideas somewhere to preserve them in case, well … something happens.

This provides that opportunity for me, and it also allows other folks to read this stuff – if they so desire, without having to post this stuff on FB.

Since I’m not a professional writer, I beg anyone “tuning in”, to give me a little slack, until I get the hang of this.

Its both terrifying and exciting at the same time – and, I know I will not be everyone’s “cup of tea”. But, that’s life, right?  Not everyone is going enjoy everything that I think about.

I struggled and struggled trying to find a blog name that wasn’t already taken – it really isn’t as easy as I thought it would be. I read a lot of articles about how to be creative and use a thesaurus and other tools to do it.  Ruminati ends up being my clever attempt at making up a word by tweaking an existing word “Rumination”, and then making it into what I thought would look like a “Latin” looking derivative, but as it ends up – it is just a made up word. “LuminatiRuminati” and “JunkDrawerRuminations” (were a couple of my many initial choices) but they were too long, or were already taken, and they violated the guidelines that I read about which stated – the blog name should be something simple and short – that way,  folks could remember it. I’m not sure how a made up word qualifies for a word that others will remember – LOL.

In any case, I do look forward to sharing my thoughts – I have many of them.

I hope you enjoy them, even though you may not always agree with everything.

Luke 6:37 “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven”

 

 

 

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton