Funkyjimmer's Blog

Saturday, April 04, 2009

BUSY WEEKS

This past week has been busy although I have not worked as much for the funeral home. I only worked Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. I was called to work Thursday but that's my day to work at the Welcome Desk at my church. I was able to have some meals with good friends this week and that is always a delight. One of God's greatest blessings I believe is the blessing of friendship and community through His Church. For the most part (although not exclusively) my community of friends are through the Body of Believers. The "community of Believers" is not limited to one local church, but rather several congregations.

In between "going" activities, I've been able to accomplish some things on my
"to-do" and "project" lists. But there are things remaining on both lists that I haven't chosen to address yet. But it is good to come to the end of a day or the end of a week and look back with thankfulness at what the Lord has allowed to be accomplished. And those things yet to be accomplished give amply reason for getting up each day. After seven full months of retirement I can still say that it is great! And God continues to provide for my every need and far more "wants" than I deserve. I am not surprised but I am grateful.

This coming week promises to be equally busy. I am celebrating my 73rd birthday Tuesday. Monday night my two "Indiana" girls are taking me to Stone Creek Restaurant for a birthday dinner. Then we are going to Anita's for cake and fun. Tuesday night is my small group. We are beginning a new Bible study that promises to be very challenging. I will have dinner at Anita's before going to the small group study.

Wednesday is a full day--a breakfast meeting in the morning with good friends; a mid-morning meeting at church and a noon lunch with two former co-workers whose friendship I value highly. And so the week goes--work at church, an eye doctor's appointment. And probably some work for the funeral home as well, although I haven't been called to work anywhere yet. I usually know a day ahead the details of when and where I am needed, and what I am needed to do.

Yes, life in the Will of God through Christ is good, indeed. It is very good!

May yours be good as well.

posted by jim 1:35 PM 0 comments

Friday, March 27, 2009

posted by jim 8:36 PM 0 comments

I HAVE A HELMET -- ALL LEGAL AND SAFE NOW

As you can see, I have outfitted myself with a bicycle helmet. Someone asked if I wear it. Absolutely! I always wear it when I ride. It took a little getting used to but I'm okay with it now.

Riding sure is fun--except for the hills. Maybe I SHOULD have gotten at least a 3-speed bike. Oh well, this is great for now.

posted by jim 8:25 PM 0 comments

Sunday, March 22, 2009

THE "FIRST" RIDE

I've been riding my new bicycle this afternoon. It has been years since I rode but when I got on, it was as though I'd been riding continuously! I guess they are correct when they say you never forget how to ride a bicycle!

At church this morning I heard about a 20-mile night ride coming up I think next month. It sounds like fun. I don't know if I can get in shape in time for that or not.

I've got to buy a bike helmet now and I'm all set.

posted by jim 4:21 PM 0 comments

Saturday, March 21, 2009

RED BICYCLE

Some men have a "mid-life crisis" and they go out and buy a red convertible Porsche or Mustang or some such car. I guess I must have had a "late-life crisis". I bought a red bicycle! I have been slacking off on the treadmill. I still want to exercise. My doctor tells me I can get as good a cardio-vascular workout on the bicycle as I can by walking and it is easier on the knees. Since I have been having a bit of difficulty with my knees, I thought I'd try the bicycle.

I have wanted just a bicycle with plain old coaster brakes. I've not wanted a 21-speed with fancy features. I've wanted a plain old bicycle. I found a couple at Walmart for under $100. One was white and one red. I've always preferred red so that's what I purchased. And it was already assembled. They offered free assembly (a requirement for me) but they let me purchase the one already assembled. Now all I have to do is read the manual to figure out how to raise the seat and I'm ready to go. We're supposed to have some great weather the next few days so I'm looking forward to riding. Let's hope I don't wipe out!

posted by jim 8:14 PM 1 comments

posted by jim 8:13 PM 0 comments

Sunday, March 08, 2009

GUILTY -- OF NEGLECT

If this Journal were a child, the Child Protective Agency would have me in custody! I have neglected it in favor of other things--among them facebook. When my friend set me up with facebook he warned me that it would be addictive. He was correct. There are at least two aspects that are addictive to me: 1) reading what my friends say they are doing; 2) trying to figure out how to navigate facebook! I know I am not getting the full advantage from it. Yet on the other hand, if I could do more with facebook I'd probably be even more addicted and spend more time with facebook. I need a "facebook tutor"!

Another reason I have neglected this Journal is that I have been working a lot at the funeral home. I just finished 9 straight days of work. So much for retirement! But I enjoy it. They wanted me to work tomorrow (Monday) too but I am working at my church's Welcome Desk in the morning.

I enjoy what I do--working for our funeral home at one of their 14 locations and working at my church. I am blessed.

I miss my youngest daughter. Last week she, her husband and my precious grandchildren moved to North Carolina. It's a tough "loss" for me but hopefully it will all be good for them. I'll write more about all that in a few days.

I am enjoying a house guest. Our church's intern is staying with me for the last 3 months of his internship. So far it is going great for me. He's a great guy. I hope it is going okay for him as well. More about that later also.

I'll try to do better with this posting. I do enjoy being able to write more extensive posts than are possible on facebook.

Jim

posted by jim 9:42 PM 0 comments

Friday, January 30, 2009

FOLLOW-UP--EQUIPMENT

For those who read the previous post, I had to try 4 CD walkmen before I found one that worked! I gave up on the first store after returning two that didn't work. I went to another store, spent more money for a supposedly better brand and it didn't work either! So I returned it to the second store and after fiddling with it, they agreed it was no good. So they gave me another one just like it. WHOO HOO! It works! And even though I knocked it on the floor when I was on the treadmill, it still works! I've now taken precautions to insure that I won't knock it on the floor again!

I think I've mastered the basics of my basic cell phone. There are still a couple of aggravating things that occur. I keep unintentionally disconnecting calls when I remove the phone from its holster. I must be inadvertently pushing something as I remove it. I've missed an opportunity to work by that means! Also, the phone names and numbers in my speed dial have disappeared a time or two. I have no idea why. I've put them back in and so far they are still there--the last time I checked. But I can at least make calls and receive calls--most of the time.

As for scanning to my computer, my daughter helped me figure that out. Come to find out, it was set up all along. It was just "operator error", the operator being me. So now I can scan and email documents.

I am still living with my one-channel malfunction on the t.v. set. Someone suggested call the cable provider and see if they can assist me with it. So far I'm just living with the aberration of playing the channel through the VCR.

This morning my computer went on the "fritz". I couldn't even re-start it or shut it off. But when I was finally able to re-start it that seemed to cure the problem. It seems to be okay now. I've been having some difficulty with it ever since I got set up for Face Book. I don't know if that's the problem or not.

FOLLOW-UP -- PROJECTS

I've already explained about the scanning project. So that's one project completed.

Pictures in picture frames--well, that's going to have to wait awhile. I'm not motivated.

I received some guidance today from a friend and I'm now ready to set up my bookkeeping system to track outgo versus income. I'll get serious about that in a day or so.

I've about completed another project that I didn't even list in a previous post. I have sorted through all my music and picture CDs and have organized them in my CD tower. And in the process of sorting through them, I have listened to each one. I now have (or will have soon when I complete the project) a usable set of music and picture CDs.

That's enough for this Post. I should have taken some pictures of our foot and a half snowfall of a couple of days ago but I didn't think of it. Maybe I can take some and post later. I am thankful to neighbors who cleaned out my driveway so I could get out.

Maybe the above information somewhat explains--but doesn't excuse--why I have neglected some of my email communication with friends. That, and spending too much time trying to figure out all the nuances of Face Book! I was warned by my friend who set it up for me that it is addictive!

posted by jim 9:04 PM 1 comments

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

EQUIPMENT THAT DOES NOT WORK -- UGH!

First equipment problem is one of my television sets. One channel--only one, mind you--has so much static you cannot stand to watch/listen to it. Perplexing! But I finally figured out that if I play that one channel through the VCR it is fine--no static. So that's at least a temporary fix. But I have absolutely no idea what's causing the problem on just that one channel. The channel works fine on all my other t.v. sets in the house.

Then I knocked off my Walkman CD player while I was on the treadmill. Naturally it wouldn't work after that. The radio part worked but the CD lid would not stay closed so naturally the CD wouldn't play. I bought another one just like the previous one. It wouldn't play properly. So I took it back and exchanged it for another player. At least there was no hassle there. I have yet to see if the new one works because . . .

On the same trip out I took my cell phone to the store for what I hoped was a "fix". But I was informed it was too old to be worth fixing. I believe the "too old" part. I have had it many years. So the result: a new cell phone. It is just a cell phone. It doesn't take pictures, play music, etc. But another result of the new cell phone was an evening spent trying to figure it out and working with my phone list. So I haven't taken the new CD player out of the package to see if it works any better than the first one. I've got a lot more "messing" to do with my new cell phone but that will wait for another day. I have to get to bed. I'm working at my church's Welcome Desk in the morning. Friday and Saturday I am working for the funeral home.

In my opinion new things are nice when they aren't so new that I haven't figured them all out yet. So right now I'm wrestling with a new portable CD player and a new cell phone. This is all taking too much time.

I tried to learn to scan to my computer today only to find that the scanning feature hasn't been installed. I have a CD that I think has the necessary installation. I'll have to try to install that, too. More time-consuming things. Not to mention my other "to-do"projects that await my attention. I'm trying to develop a bookkeeping system and I began that process this morning. But I'm still trying to decide how to set that up.

Good thing I'm retired!

posted by jim 10:40 PM 0 comments

Monday, January 19, 2009

THE WEEK IN REVIEW--PROJECTS YET TO TACKLE

Some people worry about boredom when they retire. I have yet to experience any thing like boredom. I suppose that's partly because I had a plan for retirement before I actually retired. But largely it is because God is blessing me by using me in various capacities.

Since I Posted last week I have worked several funerals, conducted one commital service, worked a couple of mornings at my church's Welcome Desk, attended my small group Bible study and had a "Pizza night out" with my small group. Yesterday I worked a funeral visitation and Memorial Service. I'm at another funeral this morning.

I'm looking forward to my small group Bible study tomorrow night and I'm eagerly anticipating having lunch with a former co-worker Wednesday. In addition to working at my church's Welcome Desk again this week, who knows what the week will produce?

There are several projects I have wanted to tackle after retirement that are still awaiting my attention. One project is learning to use my computer scanner. It will be so convenient to be able to scan and email when necessary. It's not as high a priority now that I have my F.A.X. machine. But a lot of people to whom I want to send things do not have access to a F.A.X. machine. So scanning will be a benefit. It's just a matter of finding the book and trying to translate the instructions into something I can perform. Hopefully I can begin that learning process this week.

I want to set up some sort of bookkeeping system to track my income-outgo. It would be nice to know if I am living within my income! Eventually I'll find someone to teach me how to set it all up on an Excel spreadsheet. But for now I will use some very old ledger sheets I used many years ago (before the pre-computer-Excel era) to set up something manually. I want to be sure I know what I'm doing before going to an Excel spreadsheet.

Also, I have numerous pictures that need to be put in frames. That's another project awaiting my attention. All this besides the daily activities. And I always have a number of books that I want to read. And I'm trying to get into a routine on my treadmill. There always seems to be a number of obstacles to getting into that routine. "One session on the treadmill in 3 days does not a routine make!" But that's a goal anyway.

More later.

posted by jim 9:10 AM 1 comments

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

posted by jim 10:22 AM 0 comments

2009 INDIANA STUDENT LEADERSHIP FORUM

The picture above shows the group participating in the 2009 Student Leadership Forum. God showed up big time and we had a terrific group of students, facilitators and host families. God provided good weather instead of the horrible stuff that had been forecast.

The hotel did a great job of serving us. The meeting room was just right and the food abundant and delicious. Our service project at the Lord’s Pantry was rewarding for all. I had been somewhat apprehensive as this was the first year without Lucious Newsom, who passed away in August. But again, God blessed. That ministry is going forward. The folks there had expected 150 or so to be served with food and we served 300! It was like the “loaves and the fish” in the Bible. We had just enough food for the people who came through. As in other years, the students in our group were immensely blessed and there were changed lives. Our students were terrific servants of the guests who came.

A portion of the afternoon was spent with one of the key volunteers at the Lord’s Pantry. Julie was able to come to the hotel in the afternoon, eat pizza and hang out with our students. It was a great time of sharing.

Also that afternoon Congressman Mike Pence called in and had a conversation with the students and was able to answer their questions. Mike couldn’t be present this year. He has been elected the third in leadership of the Republican party and the leader called a retreat for last weekend. But again God provided and what could have been a disappointing experience turned out to be wonderful. We only had a little razor cell phone with which to receive Congressman Pence’s call. There was only one spot in the room that had any reception at all and just one little cell phone speaker for 25 people. I didn’t think anyone would be able to hear. Wrong! God blessed and it was absolutely perfect. Mike was driving back to Washington, D.C. from the retreat and we had no interruption in signal.

I’m pumped and am getting carried away. I didn’t even get to mention all the great experiences at the Indiana State House Friday night! I’ll just conclude by saying that the host family experience was marvelous for both students and host families. And we had dry roads on which to travel! In our group I think we had one of the best discussions at the host family's house—and we’ve had some good ones! Our final session was with the entire group where we discussed the weekend and asked for input for next year. That was an excellent time of sharing. Thank you, God, for a great weekend!

posted by jim 10:15 AM 1 comments

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

WORKING A LOT!

WOW! I've really been working for the funeral home (Flanner and Buchanan) A LOT! Out of the last 4 weeks I have worked 12 days. Some of those days were long days. We had 4 funerals last Saturday and I worked at 3 of them. I also worked Sunday afternoon and evening. I will work Monday and Wednesday this week. I really enjoy what I do. It is sad that so many people have experienced the death of a loved one, especially at this season of the year. But I am glad for the opportunity to help so many people as well as my co-workers at the funeral centers. I'm working two funerals tomorrow so I'll be going from about 7:30 or 8 a. m. to around 9 or 9:30 p.m. We also have a funeral scheduled for Friday but I'll not be able to work that because I'll be attending the . . .

INDIANA STUDENT LEADERSHIP FORUM

This weekend is the annual Indiana Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values. We have about 20 students from 14 Indiana colleges and universities registered. We are disappointed that Congressman Pence will not be able to be with us this year. Now that he is the third highest ranking leader in the Republican Party his attendance is required at a Congressional Retreat of some kind. But we have some excellent other speakers scheduled and a great community service project. I always look forward to our Friday night visit to the State Legislature and the State Supreme Court. I hope and pray that all goes well this weekend.

FACE BOOK

My friend David Felton set me up with Face Book. Now I'm trying to figure out what to do with it and how to use it. It has been rewarding so far. I was contacted by a lady whom I had led to the Lord back in 1965. I had lost contact with her for many, many years. But I'm not using Face Book to the best advantage. David warned me that it is addictive! At this point I don't look for Face Book to replace this Journal but who knows. I wanted on Face Book because I have been told that is how many of my friends, especially those in college, keep in touch. So maybe I can keep in better contact with some of them

It will probably be next week before I can Post on this Journal again.

posted by jim 10:45 PM 0 comments