Jimmy.Brainflush.com

These are the things that seperate us all.

If we all went off and did what we wanted when we wanted to, what would happen? I think we already know the answer to that question. . . We would choose something more complex, more difficult to attain. Why? Because the easy stuff isn’t enjoyable. The harder stuff is where it’s at when we haven’t been there yet. It’s the key to financial freedom, the grass is greener principle, and the laws of nature all wrapped into a neat paragraph.

Who needs Dr. Phil? Okay maybe that doesn’t make sense on the first run through, but when you really think about it, and the things you want in your life, versus the things you need in your life, you’ll find a difference. Then re-read that paragraph.

Okay.. Enough self-help. Hi. Remember me?

Sorry I’ve been gone - Dave The Web Guru gave me a new account that I couldn’t remember. I’d complain, but the site’s free, and Dave’s a genius.

I’m the less-than genius guy that’s been gone for a while. To be honest, you haven’t missed much. Thanksgiving was different this year.. we held it at my cousin’s. It was okay. The visit to dad’s was forced but civil. My brother and sister freaked me out with their money focused approach to most things, and it was about then that I think I realized how miserable that way to live is.

I’m not saying I’m better or more mature. I’m saying I’m sad for them. I’m more sad that I’m not around to convince them of otherwise. This money thing comes from both sides of the family - the Italian side for obvious reasons and the Polish side for reasons I still don’t understand.

I realized in the 45 minute drive in my sister’s car on the ride back from my father’s that life turned out strangely. Having just run into a classmate from high school, I was freaked out at how old she looked. We’re all grown up, and I don’t like what I see.

Maybe not. Maybe we’re just caught in a strange time. A strange in-between time, what with none of us 3 kids married or with kids, it’s as if we put the pause on while everyone fast-forwarded. We’re still learning life lessons on our own, and we still carry some of our own baggage from many years ago. That’s the weird thing.

We haven’t gotten married, and melded our selves with the selves of another just yet. We don’t have kids to ga ga over.. and our parents don’t have grandkids to tell stories about just yet. These things will come in time, sure.. but will it all work out the same way?

I guess only time will tell. Christmas is coming, and I’m alone, but I’m busy in a way that keeps me engaged. My mother really thinks I need a woman in my life, and she’s entitled to that opinion. That’s what mom’s are for, I guess.

Odd factoid about thanksgiving - my highlight, hands-down, was bumming around and shopping at Aldi with mom. After years of distrust after an attempt to pay with a check back in the 80’s, I re-introduced my mom to my favorite grocery store.

She was amazed at everything, and I felt oddly proud of Aldi .. like the store was mine, and something was validated by the experience. It was weird seeing Grandessa, and Fit&Active so far from home. Another thing, they have better hours in Illlinois.. but I digress.

On my way home tonight, I had to stop at the library, and just when I was about to get upset about it being so dark out there, I looked up and saw the clearest night sky. I saw Orion, and I said “Hello, Old Friend.” I smiled, and felt peaceful. I felt the kind of peace you feel after doing what you need to instead of doing what you may want to do.

Sure, I didn’t get everything done today I needed - I still have 2 or 3 more invoices to mail out, but I’m sure I’ll get to them in time. I enjoy the simple things - the cloud free night sky, a car emergency this week that finally made use of my emergency fund, saying a short prayer for the poor soul who could only afford to put one dollar’s worth of fuel in their gas tank….

these are the things that keep me engaged and rolling as we come up to the season of celebration and round out the remainder of what has been on all counts a pretty good year.

Good night.