posted
I just gotta ask someone what they do when work begins to stress them out. At least once a week I begin to falter, whether its some dumb question or lack of input, some days I get so worked up I can't handle it. I know well enough it has alot to do with my surroundings, my knowledge and the friggin weather. I don't do any drugs, not even aspirin, I don't drink alcohol, I don't go to bars, not into sports although I love to swim but not in this weather. I get a call almost everyday to head 200 miles south for more work for a couple days where the weather may or may not be warmer but its always interupted by a body shop or dealership needing me. I live in a cow pasture where my solitude mellows me out and the animals are friendly but outside of that I get weird when in the company of others who I find I can see through. I'm smart enough to know the difference between truth and fiction so whatever your anwser may be, try and make it honest and educational and outside of that please don't give me a lecture on how my lifestyle is the same as the next person.
Thank you
-------------------- HotLines Joey Madden - pinstriping since 1952 'Perfection, its what I look for and what I live for'
posted
We all stress out from time to time. One I get into that groove I find my whole day gets out of whack until I formly put the brakes on and restart.
I believe our ability to handle stress changes throughout our life and depends on a whole lot of things including how busy we are and what else is going on in our life. How much sleep I get is probably the biggest factor in my life.
Some days I think I'm getting mellower and on others I am not nearly as sure or positive about life in general.
I KNOW it is all largely a frame of mind and like to treat it as such. Taking joy in the little stuff and forgetting the negative energy which surrounds us all is mostly a matter of simply purposely putting myself into that space. I try not to let anybody else determine my frame of mind by THEIR actions. I'm not responsible for their actions... only mine.
A hug from our little Phoebe is the best cure I know for my life worries.
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
1: Step away from the vehicle...go grab a soda, coffee or something. Sometimes taking a break, even for just a few minutes, can relieve tension. If a customer is standing over your shouder, be honest. Tell them you need a break so you don't make mistakes.
2: Bring a CD player and your favorite music. It can help you relax a little more while working.
3: I do go to a bar on occasion, but I keep it to the non alcoholic stuff. You can still socialize and unwind.
4: Remember your abilities. Wether it's a big job or small, it's still just a job. You'll get it done.
5: Take in a movie, try a restaurant you've been meaning to check out, take a drive and explore some new places. Relaxing after work and clearing the cobwebs gives you a better start tomorrow.
Work for a living, but remember that you don't just live to work. Hope this helps, Joey. Rapid
-------------------- Ray Rheaume Rapidfire Design 543 Brushwood Road North Haverhill, NH 03774 rapidfiredesign@hotmail.com 603-787-6803
I like my paint shaken, not stirred. Posts: 5648 | From: North Haverhill, New Hampshire | Registered: Apr 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Ask yourself "Will this matter in 5 years?" Usually it doesn't. If it does, allow yourself to worry about it for 5 minutes. Then try to forget about it. But remember, Joey, worrying is a waste of time. Usually attending a Letterhead meet recharges my battery. Love....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Man. I get behind the wheel. Pump up some tunes and hit some country roads. Or I get on the bike. When I am stressed it is not a leisure ride but something to get my adrenalin pumping
If I am having a hard time coming up with ideas I so see a movie with special effects
-------------------- Ryan Young Indocil Art & Design indocil@comporium.net 803-980-6765
I highjacked Letterville!! Winter Muster 2004 Posts: 904 | From: Rock Hill, SC | Registered: Sep 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Joey, It sounds as though you know what ticks you off. I try to avoid even being around aggravating situations if all possible. Artists are sensitive as it is, so I just try to forgive as much as I am able to. We are all on a journey and make mistakes. (maybe your destiny is to be an example for them; a tough road if you want it). you have many, many gifts and ideas and there's a lot of cool folks that would benefit from them. Maybe you need to take a trip further away for a month or so? A meet sound like a great idea, as Jill mentioned. I've been a bit busy these days, and waiting for the warm weather, too.
[ March 19, 2006, 09:43 PM: Message edited by: Deb Fowler ]
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
When I recoginize I'm gettin' 'stressed' about work the first thing I do is step back and indentify what the real cause is.
9 times out of 10 it's one of two or three things:
1.The kind of work coming in is boring and and plain bread-n-butter stuff and I'm sick of it and wanna be creative, yet schedules and PR keep me too busy.
2.Missing deadlines is the leading cause of missing more deadlines . . .
3.Too many people to call, and too many 'little' things to be done workwise, mother/kidwise, housewise and ALLWISE . . . .
BLAH.
In all actuality, # 1, 2, and 3 can be summed up in one word:
People.
lol
Aside from crawlin' in a cave and hidin' there really ain't much I can do, except I . . .
. . .try to prioritize
. . .try to be realistic about what I can reasonabley accomplish . . .
. . . I sing.
Stuff like:
"Don't worry~~~ be Happy Wooooooo~~~~OOOO````oooo . . ."
Also I sing: '~~~Storms never last, do they baby?~~~'
And when it's all really comin' down???
I get in my truck and drive to a place where I can stare at some beautiful horizon on the top of some hill. (I have about 4 favorite locations within' 20 miles) and meditate on how really blessed I am.
I also used to just take off and hike down a shallow creek all day.
Amazing how things that were once all screaming at once seem to line-up in a neat order of priority when ignored for a day or two . . .
lol
Hope this helps.
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Joey; don't know myself, each one is different and handled thusly, some will tell you nothing bothers me and others will warn you to vacate area as I'm hot about something looking for a vent, as if I have to tell you that...you've seen me in action...but for most part, forgetting about it as soon as possible has worked for me the best, though, like I said, it's entirely hinged on severity of incursion...
Can I hijack this a moment to comment to Ryan on seeing his pro-stock m/c on the tube at Gainesville and it looked great, though Gann needs to slow down about.033 of a second next time, man, he had him covered too!!!
Now back to thread, tonite, dealing w/stress is being dealt with in here, content to follow CJ thru Letterville......
-------------------- Frank Magoo, Magoo's-Las Vegas; fmagoo@netzero.com "the only easy day was yesterday" Posts: 2365 | From: Las Vegas, Nv. | Registered: Jun 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Joey...I wonder if you expect too much from the people you deal with? This in itself can cause frustration as you may expect an unrealistically high standard from those you come into contact with.
If the same standard of conduct/human traits were applied to you....could you really withstand scrutiny?
This is what my wife tells me....as admit, I can expect too much from people myself. I think it's good to reflect on....and if you think in those terms, it helps relax a person. Expect less, realize people are flawed, forgive a little easier, try and be a little more patient, etc.
There will never be anyone - no matter where you go - that won't irritate you or cause you frustration at some point. Even here, right?
You strike me as the type that likes to make your own decisions and set your own schedule. It sounds like you are trying to get at a job 2 hours away, but the locals are putting demands on you that are stressing you out. Then you may feel like you've "let go of control" and resent intrusion on your time. When you feel that way, it is very easy to become annoyed and short tempered with the people around you that do not have the same knowledge that you do.
My gut feeling is that you don't want people to tell you what to do, which is impossible when you are working FOR someone else. Is it time to retire?? Then you will truly be your own boss.
Suelynn
-------------------- "It is never too late to be what you might have been." -George Eliot
Suelynn Sedor Sedor Signs Carnduff, SK Canada Posts: 2863 | From: Carnduff, SK Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Joey, It's been a gloomy winter in the NW and especially so west of the Cascades. Even a peaceful cow pasture can be depressing when it's soggy.
I deal with stress by exercising. It's hard to be stressed when you're too tired to stand up. Swimming is one of the best stress relievers for me; good exercise in an environment removed from our normal existence.
We have an indoor community pool and you can also buy a pass to the college pool. If there's anything like that available where you live it would allow you to keep swimming all year.
-------------------- Eric Barker Rosewood Design LaGrande,Oregon Posts: 107 | From: La Grande, OR | Registered: May 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
All I can do is tell you some of the things I do when something starts getting to me.
I usually call one of a few choice friends and vent. I warn them right away that the call is going to be a little "b*tch sesson" ... and my wonderful friends all know what that means. DECOMPRESSION time. Thank god for my them!
Another thing that keeps me on keel is that I can go seek out one of my cats, or the dog and get alittle pet therapy.
Working out does me some good sweating out some of that gunk too.
Sometimes I just get mad and start cleaning and reorganizing things around here. hahahaaa A weird girl thing I think.
In the grand scheme of it, there are really few things worth taking up alot of energy stressing about. Gotta learn to let go of some of our own crud we can bring into situations sometimes.
That's just my take on things with regards to my own "stuff".
Nettster
-------------------- "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
posted
It's a bitch gettin' old joey, but somebody's gotta do it. Reading yer post reminded me of my own anarchist life style. I just feel like goin' out and killin' something. Not like a person but maybe a few tin cans, bottles or whatever. In a way tho' I like the edge of being on the line. I am back part time doing Alanon, meetings and it doesn't always cut through but sometimes I can come away knowing I ain't alone.......and some folks are worse off than me.
CrazyJack
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
...To relieve stress I like BIKE RIDING, but any exercise is terriffic. Also gardening, arranging flowers (don't laugh, it works), and petting my dog. Medation is also effective.
...You have to keep in mind that having stress in your life is a DECISION YOU MAKE.
posted
not much bothers me....have resigned myself to the fact the place i live has some good people, ok people and then the ARSEHOLES!!! i do the best i can with most people, when i encounter with arseholes...i leave and stay as far away from them as i can becuse they upset my peace & tranquility. did good up untill last monday. my big cat O.C. was missing. never came to supper sunday nite so i know somethings wrong. monday afternoon i go to county pound...THERE MY O.C. in a cage like rat!!!! now iam p.o. but want to get my cat home. lady at the counter is nice, she hands me a bill for $81.00!!!!!!!!!! I LOST IT....told her shoot the damn cat...she said dont swear at me....it went downhill from there. well next thing this guy comes up to the counter which looks like a sherriff shirt on...i pointed at him and told him STOP this where its at ..do not come round the counter cause if he does IAM GOING TO JAIL...& YOUR GOIN TO THE HOSPITAL!!!!! told him stay away from me, i will calm down....then the other lady behind the counter tells me IF I PAY $29...I CAN TAKE MY CAT HOME!!! now iam really upset and axed ..why didnt you tell me the $29 1st....and none of this woulda taken place(when i lost my temper, there was 6-7 other people in there and they jumped right in....cause they had same problem i was havin. so i paid the $29 grabed my cat and went home.... now iam in search of the guy in the neighborhood who had the "cat cage" that traped my O.C. hes got some money HE OWES ME!!!!
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
There was this big ole cat...comin' round late at nite...yeowling, fighting with the other kitties....keeping me awake at nite...scenting on my truck and all around my yard....
Way to relieve stress?? I trapped the kitty and called the pound....
ahhhh
[ March 20, 2006, 02:37 PM: Message edited by: Wayne Webb ]
-------------------- Wayne Webb Webb Signworks Chipley, FL 850.638.9329 wayne@webbsignworks.com Posts: 7404 | From: Chipley,Florida,United States | Registered: Oct 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
I want to take this time and thank everyone of you, because you brought a smile to my face. Tomorrow morning I'll be leaving for Crank's place in NorCal to do some work and pick up my Mercedes I left there 6 months ago, probably be back by the weekend. Most all of you hit the nail on the head between weather and incompetence I feel gloomy and always believed I am in the wrong place, although I do have many persons here where I live that are my friends, I think.
CJ and Joe, one of the reasons I call you guys is to mellow me out which always works. Suelynn, retirement isn't really gonna work for me as I don't really have a job to retire from and pinstriping is a big part of me which really isn't a job. I will however get back into gardening which I know real well and hopefully swimming at the local river when summer comes. I do enjoy riding my bicycle which I carry in my van at all times, cause you never know when you feel like it. My problem actually comes from persons who can't drive, don't use stop signs or use common sense and whenever I do a job or project I never have persons surrounding me as if theres a party going on, I don't stand for it unlesws of course it's a meet of some kind.
Oh well, thanks again for all the responses, I feel mellow already
-------------------- HotLines Joey Madden - pinstriping since 1952 'Perfection, its what I look for and what I live for'
posted
OP - you're kidding about the cat right? You got ****ed because you let it run wild in the neighborhood - probably crapping and digging in someone's yard and screaching in catfights all night keeping them awake - and they got fed up with it and hauled it to the pound?
Dude...consider yourself lucky. Out here in the burbs where I live....people aren't so accomodating about pets that are allowed to run loose. Frequently, they just **disappear**.
I think cats should be licensed - same as dogs - and if a person has a pet, they should have control over them so they don't infringe on their neighbors rights or invade their property. It's the neighborly, polite, right thing to do.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
| IP: Logged |
John: "Oh look Marge....there's that dang cat digging up your prize petunia's again....
Marge: "John - do something! That cat whizzed all over my garden boots last night. Who's the irresponsible owner that let's that cat run the neighborhood?"
John opens door.
John: (In falsetto voice) Heeeeere Kitty, kitty, kitty.........
Cat: (curiously walking up to Harold) "Meowwww"
John: (delivering line inspired by "Home Alone"): "I'm giving you to the count of ten to get your yeller, lying, no good keester off off my front porch before I fill your guts full of lead."
Cat: "Meowwww, rarrrrrrr, meowwwwwww, hissssss" (Translation - "Ok Johnny, take it easy - I'm going.....)
John: "One, two...ten!!!
RAT-a-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT -TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT] (machine gun fire coinciding with wild laughter)
Ted Nugent's "Cat Scratch Fever" comes to mind for some reason. Goes something like this:
Well I don't know where they come from Swiping my precious feline, Now they're comin' for me And I don't know why they're thinkin' They can charge me a dime, I hope they give it back for free
They give me cat scratch fever Cat scratch fever
The first time it ran away I was just ten years old, Caught it humpin' a kitty next door I went and see the Dr. and He gave me the cure I think I got it some more
They give me cat scratch fever Cat scratch fever
It's nothin dangerous I feel no pain I've got to ch-ch-change You know you got it when you're going insane It makes a grown man cryin' cryin' Won't you make my bed
I bruise the chin of my kitties' captor With the stroke of my hand, They know they gettin' it from me, They know I love the fightin' and cussin' When I "stick-it-to-da-man" They know I do it for free
posted
Let's not get sidetracked poking fun at OP's story. It's easy to join in the "fun," but it can often be less than fun for the person being picked on.
I've had a problem with depression for years. As I get older, I'm beginning to understand events in my childhood, along with other junk, that I have allowed to affect my self image. These days, I am more interested in fixing the problem then the blame. It's not easy, but the reward of waking up happy is well worth the effort.
I'm a Soprano fan. Last week, I was watching an old episode. Tony was talking to his therapist about his experiences with the blues. She said something that I have never heard before.
Depression is rage turned inward.
That hit me like a ton of bricks. I've always had feelings of not being good enough. That may be one reason, I am so obsessed with a few things I do well, such as drawing and sign design. For the last 50 years, I've always known that I can valadate my value as a human being by simply demonstrating my "special" artistic talants. If only that was enough!
Many of us are very angry all the time. When you begin to get honest, it's painfully clear that most are really angry at ourselves. The anger is turned inward where it eats away at our souls. It makes us bitter. I'm convinced it causes all sorts of medical problems including heart attacks.
I don't have any real answers Joey. If you worked for a corporation, or the Government your benefits may cover the $150 a professional councilor demands. Those of us that have made the decision to be self employed, often have a real challenge, paying for benefits others take for granted.
There are all sorts of people like Joey in Letterville. They are our neighbors and friends. You need to know that you are all important. Not just because you can pull straight lines and draw pretty things. We are all much more than that. Most of you are somebody's hero. You may feel worthless inside, but others see you as a very valuable asset in their lives.
Making an effort to believe that could very well be a first step to feeling better. Finding a release for the anger inside us is another. You are not alone my friend.
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
posted
Joey do as I do. Grab one of your favorite snakes and take him for a walk outside. Or go jump out of a perfectly good airplane, or jump on the motorcycle and take it up to 175 mph. Amazing but these little things make you feel suddenly alive inside and the stress just goes away.
I like to call it my extreme therapy!
I've been doing this crap for thirty-two years full time and there's no avoiding stress in business. Just too many variable and things we have no control over. And lets not forget the biggest pain of all...Murphy's Law!
I know with certainty that this low spot will pass you by soon. Cheer up and have a great day in spite of the world.
-------------------- Bob Stephens Skywatch Signs Zephyrhills, FL
posted
Sorry Steve....kinda got away from me. OP's a pretty good sport I think....he tweaks me (when he can) and I think it's all in pseudo-serious fun - pretty good humor.
Ok OP...(arms stretched wide open) Let me have it....
I hear ya Steve...life's not always a bowl of roses and without sadness and struggles.
As you go through life, you begin to see that the people who always seem to have it together and are perpetually happy are actually faking it most of the time. Eventually the facade begins to crumble as things they cannot control cause pain and stress and they show their human-ness.....their naked reality.
I've personally met just a few people in life that have exhibited what I would call "truly positive" personalities....naturally nice and upbeat to a degree where you wonder if they are real humans....or some kind of Alien that is trying to covertly fit into the human race unnoticed.
I think people are outfitted at birth with many of the emotional and personality features they exhibit....and it is very difficult to change and overcome what nature has dealt. Encouragement and affirmation goes a long way in helping people cope.
Although I do believe that some of it is formed by habit, some physical makeup, and some through life experience.
Hopefully, people can sort through it and figure out how to reach a higher, more pleasing plateau. Life isn't easy...and you realize this the older you get - when you realize you're really not invincible after all.
posted
Joey, I'm sitting here with my JR curled up beside me. Not trying to open old wounds here, but I'm wondering if it's time for you to get yourself another JR.
I know all too well that there will never be a replacement for a lost companion. But I know how my boys can calm me down and put everything into perspective, unless of course they're the ones making me nuts.
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
I close the door at 4pm and leave it all. It will still be there in the morning and I refuse to worry about it until then. I come home to my little corner of the world with my chickens, dogs, cats, birds and goats. If I am really stressed out, I climb on a motorcycle and hit the highway for a while.
-------------------- Frisby Signs, Inc. El Dorado, Arkansas Posts: 902 | From: El Dorado, Arkansas, USA | Registered: Apr 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
wayne...you aint that fer away....hope that cat had more then one frend...hehehehehe todd....if i ever hit ya, i couldnt afford the medical bill you would hiy me with. as for all of ya...the meditation and eastern philosophies work....for the most part...but kidnappin my cat and holdin him for ransom dont set well with me. also todd i dont live in the BRUBS like you "city folk". i got 2 arces of property and most i woods, so yea my cats run loose. dogs now are a diffeernt story..now they go round diggin holes ahd SHATING in everybodys yard....tood when is the last time you stepedd in cat poop? glad ya all thought it was funny....i kinda chuckle now about it but at the moment...it was serious....see how you feel next time one of youre pets or kids do something wrong.......
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Very interesting post! I used to get stressed all the time from scheduling conflicts and getting old doesn't have to be a bit*#. I use my wisodom more and more each day. You want to go out of town??? Simply go. So what if a body shop or new car manager needs you. This is pinstriping...not brain surgery. If so and so's car has to run around with a stripe missing off the front fender, is it truly the end of the world??? Sure, maybe to the anal person with the car it's an inconvenience, but damnit, life is full of inconveniences. Ever show up at a body shop or car dealer for an appointment where the customer never shows? I had a body shop manager call me all frantic one time..."I've got an emergency!!!" I told him he should be calling 911. I look at this very simply. If we can get to it we will. If we are out of town for a few days they will have to wait or call somebody else. If I have to sit around and let somebody else determine my schedule, I'll never get out of town, or walk along the river, go to a Letterhead meet, visit friends or any one of the countless GOOD things in life.
Of course, if you need to unwind, you can always walk out into that cow pasture right after a rain and gather those purple bellied mushrooms
-------------------- George Perkins Millington,TN. goatwell@bigriver.net
"I started out with nothing and still have most of it left"
One day...a guy will come along and he'll think of you in the terms of these Carpenter lyrics, and when it happens you'll know it was meant to be :
Why do birds suddenly appear Every time you are near? Just like me, they long to be Close to you.
Why do stars fall down from the sky Every time you walk by? Just like me, they long to be Close to you.
On the day that you were born The angels got together And decided to create a dream come true So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold And starlight in your eyes of blue.
That is why all the <guys> in town Follow you all around. Just like me, they long to be Close to you.
On the day that you were born The angels got together And decided to create a dream come true So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold And starlight in your eyes of blue.
That is why all the <guys> in town Follow you all around. Just like me, they long to be Close to you. Just like me (Just like me) They long to be Close to you.
posted
When things start to get tatty for me I go to Karate. Beat the crap outta the bag. No not my friends, the bag hanging from the ceiling. By the time I work out for an hour or two I'm too darn tired to be stressed anymore. Then I do some Reiki and go to bed. By the next morning things generally look a little brighter.
By the way Donna that also works for broken hearts. Put a picture of your ex on the bag.
-------------------- Deri Russell Wildwood Signs Hanover, Ontario
You're just jealous 'cause the little voices only talk to me. Posts: 1904 | From: Hanover, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Dec 1998
| IP: Logged |
Here's the kind of people i am around......... a Friend in Denver wrote this up on another board we frequent.........
____________________________________
Only in the world of CJ Allan and Negotiable Tim........
Fade back to last Thursday. Tim stops at CJ's place on the way back from Daytona, en route to the swap meet here in Longmont, CO. , which is still 1,300 miles away.
Tim's travel time has enough slack in it to stop and visit for a bit, and Robin grills a few burgers, they shoot the **** for a while, and Tim has a few gifts for CJ - a front end and a wheel for CJ's bike, along with a dozen or so Daytona speed week T-shirts,, and other goodies
Tim's there for MAYBE an hour-and-a- half/two hours. Tim figures he's getting a little drowsy, and if he doesn't hit the road, he won't make move-in to the swap on Friday if he doesn't hit it. Tim says his good-by's, closes up his truck, and splits.
Forward to Friday. Tim's unloading everything here for the swap, and this cat jumps out of the back of his Ryder truck. Tim thinks "Damn", that cat must have been in here since I left Daytona!". So, Tim gets the cat, takes it inside the big building, gets it some water and food, and makes sure it's inside the building and he leaves.
Forward again to Saturday. Tim gets a phone call from CJ. It seems CJ has been looking for Butch, his 11 year old B&W cat, that his daughter has had since she was 5 years old. The cat's nowhere around, and they've been looking for a day-and-a-half, and mayby by dumb chance, did the cat crawl into Tim's truck while the door was open when Tim was digging the parts out? Tim says "Aw ****! THAT'S THE CAT!".
Now, right here you have to understand that this swap meet is in three buildings, at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. The big building that Tim left the cat in is HUGE. They hold livestock auctions there, and they have big horse shows and events inside this place,it's got bleacher seating, and everything.
This morning, Tim gets all the kids together that are helping out at the swap meet, and says "I give the first kid that finds that cat $100.00, SO GO FIND THAT CAT!". So, all these kids are running around the whole fairgrounds, the buildings, the stalls - everywhere - looking for CJ's cat. Guess what? One of the kids FINDS THE CAT!
So, Tim's got CJ's cat again. Right now, it's in the bunk of one of the vendor's big display trailers, sleeping. When the swap meet is over, Tim's gonna ship Butch back to Kentucky via Nashville airport.
Like I said, only in the worlds of CJ Allan and Negotable Tim would anything like this ever happen. You couldn't make stuff like this up. Butch will have been on a 2,600 mile roadtrip this weekend, pretty good for an 11 year old cat. Butch appears to be taking this whole weekend in stride.
Oh yeah, the cat has a new name - when I talked to CJ this morning from the swap meet, he told me Butch is now going to be known as "Negotable Butch". What a trip!
__________________________________
The last word is, that they are snowed in and Tim smuggled Butch into a Ramada inn to hole up till the airpor opens......were the damn cat proceded to scratch Tim on the chin.....ungrateful feline......hahahah
Life is Good, when ya surround yourself with GOOD people.......
-------------------- CJ Allan CJs Engraving 982 English Dr. Hazel, KY 42049
posted
Joey, there are lots of answers to stress. What works for me is 1. tell yourself to get over it & be grateful things aren't twice as worse. (I've been through a housefire losing everything I owned at the time, and I've been through the family walking out of a car accident that by all accounts should have killed everyone). Compared with that, any bit of stress tends to shrink as I feel grateful that we're not going over that again.
2. Take a walk, with an animal or two. (Or the kids) 3. Phone a friend, or visit one. I'm lucky to have a couple of friends with whom you can just unburden yourself. 4. Lie down on the floor of the lounge. Within a minute, one of the kids will be sitting on your chest telling you a story while another fights for a piece of leg to sit on to tell you their story, and a cat will start to find a comfy spot beside your ear. If you do this outside instead, you'll need a mask as the dogs fight to lick you to death, watched on by a chicken or two. 5. Put the kettle on & have a cuppa. 6. What stress?
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Oh, Donna, if I were a few years younger or you were about 2 hours older and I was still single,I would be on my way North to try to help mend that broken heart! Hang in there girl, it'll get better!
-------------------- Frisby Signs, Inc. El Dorado, Arkansas Posts: 902 | From: El Dorado, Arkansas, USA | Registered: Apr 1999
| IP: Logged |
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Rolling On The Floor]](graemlins/rolf.gif)
Wayne!
Printer-friendly view of this topic