when it rains...

[TheBadger]

...you get wet? I don't remember now.

My uncle died. Poor guy literally dropped over and died from a heart problem. It was a mess here.

I was also given a job that I did not want, but that offers all the over-time a human can take (gotta pay back those student loans somehow).  And then not even a week in, I was called to go in and test for a job that I did very much want, but that I had applied for months ago and gave up on after no return response.

But then after going to the testing session, I was told that they are not really taking people, just prepping their catalog of people, for when they may higher. Its a long processes I was told.

Ha, and now being busy all the time with work and family, TG allows for new ways of doing things I had hoped for, and is also diving into VR, something I have a lot of interest in...

I dare not play the lotto now for fear of being steam rolled by a truck.

[Kadri]

Sorry to hear Michael.

[AP]

Bad times every now and then but keep your chin up if and when you can. Life's downfalls do not last forever.

[TheBadger]

Its ok Kadri, thanks. He was pretty old, or at least I can say he had a good run. He had his beliefs, and thus was not likely too scared of what was happening to him as he went. There are people here who really miss him though.

I mostly just felt like commenting on the ups and downs of life, and how really, we don't have much control over how our lives play out, and what happens in them. I have just been thinking about how I navigate it, how I try to keep a destination/direction in a turbulent sea.

It does not give me much comfort that others have much worse troubles, and that by comparison i got it pretty good. The idea that it can always be worse is not encouraging to me. The notion feels much more like a threat than wisdom.

Know what I mean?

Chris,
Yes! It gets a bit confusing though when everything happens at the same time, you know. Its really strange. I always feel like I am taking a test and have to make the right choice but I don't know what exactly the question is. I could become neurotic about it if I let my self. 

[AP]

Life does throw it's curve balls at times. Hang in there.   

[Dune]

My condolences, Michael. But a quick and unexpected death at a high enough age is a small 'positive'; better than a dragging end in sickness and misery. But still... I tend to think a lot about people who aren't around anymore, and try to imagine what it's like to not be around anymore... it's weird, like trying to comprehend the universe.

[mhaze]

My condolences too, Michael.  I'm now 70 and I've lived a pretty turbulent life.  You just have to keep going keep, challenging yourself, something always "turns up"that you can make your own. I've had to go hunting for it once or twice but.....

[Kadri]

...
It does not give me much comfort that others have much worse troubles, and that by comparison i got it pretty good. The idea that it can always be worse is not encouraging to me. The notion feels much more like a threat than wisdom.

Know what I mean?
...

Yes that is always risky.
Sometimes i have to use that kind of approach to my students.
But you have to use it-word it really carefully because it can sound like "be happy because others does have it worse" too...or so.

[TheBadger]

it's weird, like trying to comprehend the universe.

Yes. You can't really do it, but you cant really stop your self trying once you start. Kinda get a glimpse, but then... Back inside we go.

I'm now 70

Never would have even thought that. No indication in your interests and talk that you are senior... Contributor! 
Thanks, mhaze. i spent a long time pretty sure I would never get old, but now I know I am on a one way train with no stops. But, I do have some ideas what will make it all worth it for me. Haven't quit yet, the things I want anyway. Quit plenty of crappy things though

[bobbystahr]

My condolences too, Michael.  I'm now 70 and I've lived a pretty turbulent life.  You just have to keep going keep, challenging yourself, something always "turns up"that you can make your own. I've had to go hunting for it once or twice but.....

jebus, someone here older than me at 67, thank the goddess, hee hee hee

[PabloMack]

It does not give me much comfort that others have much worse troubles, and that by comparison i got it pretty good. The idea that it can always be worse is not encouraging to me. The notion feels much more like a threat than wisdom. Know what I mean?

Mmmm... The opposite goes for me. Watching successful people all the time makes me feel like a loser by comparison. Watching Maury Povitch or Jerry Springer makes me feel like I've got it all together because I tell myself "I'm glad I don't have THOSE problems". I guess its why I like to read about WWII because it reassures me that life can be a LOT WORSE.

[PabloMack]

I'm now 70 and I've lived a pretty turbulent life.  You just have to keep going keep, challenging yourself, something always "turns up"that you can make your own. I've had to go hunting for it once or twice but.....

I guess you feel as young as your avatar looks?

[TheBadger]

I like when other people are successful, don't have to worry about them then.