Month: November 2023

What Keeps You Awake at Night?

On By scottpetersenIn What keeps you awake at night?Leave a comment

[An update from November 23, 2014] In my post of January 16, 2020, I summarized a few remedies for getting back to sleep in the middle of the night. For me, that can be tough. I often lay awake “thinking.” Thinking about “stuff.”

Many share this problem. We think.  And worry.  Thinking becomes a barrier to sleep. I lay there and think about work.  Projects.  Deadlines. Family.  I think of aches.  Pains.  Problems.  Friends.  Me.  I keep a pad of paper by the bed so that if I wake up thinking O’m’gosh – I forgot to . . . . . . .  I can lean over and scribble it down.  Of course in the morning, I look at what I wrote at 3:00 a.m. and it reads something like “xpoWm snork xipsdf glub greschhleb.”   And I wonder – what the Dickens was I trying to remember?

I also ponder whether I am accomplishing the most I can with time.  And talent.  Doing things that matter.  Being the best father.  Grandfather.  Husband.  Friend.  And prior to retirement – attorney.  I have no bucket list for travel or experience.  But I do for making the most of my day. And living up to potential.  

In the 7th game of the 2006 National League Championship Series, no one will forget – that Carlos Beltran of the Mets stood there and took a called third strike with the bases loaded and two out.  And the Cardinals won the Pennant.  As time and life move on, I don’t want to just stand there.  And take a called third strike. I worry about that. . . .    

Swinging Blue Jeans

On By scottpetersenIn Hip replacement, Hippy Hippy Shake, Swinging Blue JeansLeave a comment

In 1963, a 4 piece British Merseybeat band poked its head out of the Rock N’ Roll waters with “The Hippy Hippy Shake” (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ke8mzgex4U ).  The group was called The Swinging Blue Jeans.  In 1966, the band went into decline.  And yet — the band – is still breathing.  Performing occasional gigs.  Interestingly, the Beatles in their ascent also did the “Hippy Hippy Shake” in September 1963 (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi3MQqy3uHM ).

Donna’s hip replacement surgery went incredibly well — so well that while she is not – yet – doing the Hippy Hippy Shake, she graduated from the walker to the cane. And is now occasionally walking around sans cane – with little discomfort.  It’s amazing what hip replacement surgery can do.  It’s kinda “hip.”  I understand orthopedic surgeons put on the Swinging Blue Jeans when doing surgery.  They do a conga line around the operating table.  They’re also fond of “Hips Don’t Lie” (Shakira).  And it’s “Hip to be Square” (Huey Lewis and the News).  There’s even “Moviendo la Cadera en Tribal” [“Moving the Tribal Hip“] by Tommy y Los Compas.”  For some patients, they play Al Stewart’s “Hippo Song.”  Donna was not one.  I don’t think . . . . . 

Taylor Swift

On By scottpetersenIn Admiral William H. McRaven, Taylor SwiftLeave a comment

Did I get your attention?

On November 15, 2022, I posted “Make Your Bed” — a discussion of the bestseller of that title by Admiral William H. McRaven. Wonderful – inspiring – book. Fast forward. . . . .

I just finished Admiral McRaven’s new book – The Wisdom of the Bullfrog – which addresses the topic of leadership. Wow! I’m a sucker for inspiring narratives. And this book is one. Each of the 18 chapters begins with a quotation. Some of the more poignant:

“The most tragic thing in the world is a man of genius who is not a man of honor.” George Bernard Shaw

“It isn’t enough to believe in something; you have to have the stamina to meet the obstacles and overcome them.” Golda Meir

“Initiative is doing the right thing without being told.” Victor Hugo

“You have competition every day because you set such high standards for yourself that you have to go out every day and live up to that.” Michael Jordan

“If you make listening and observation your occupation, you will gain much more than you can by talk.” Robert Baden-Powell (Founder of the Boy Scouts)

“Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.” Booker T. Washington

Sooooo. . . I think you will enjoy. . . . oh wait . . . . Taylor Swift. Would you believe that Admiral McRaven – a decorated Navy SEAL – began Chapter 10 with a quote of . . . Taylor Swift. And it is inspiring. And made me think. Her words – “Just because you made a good plan doesn’t mean that’s what’s gonna happen.” We all have plans. Intentions. Ideas. When they are of import, each one of us has to work – to make it happen.

Thank you, Captain. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn Thank you CaptainLeave a comment

(A summer repeat from 5/28/2012)

One of my favorite stories relates to Napoleon — the Grand Emperor of the French Republic.*  Napoleon was at a parade of troops outside of Paris. His Marshalls, his staff and his officers were all present. As Napoleon was reviewing the troops, alone and from a distance, a small animal ran from a bush startling his horse. The horse bucked. Reared up. And Napoleon fell backward in his saddle, clinging precariously to the reins. No one moved. Except for a young private who sprinted from the lines. His rifle clattered to the ground. His hat flew off. The private grabbed the reins of the Emperor’s horse, unceremoniously shoved Napoleon back into the saddle and snapped to attention.

Napoleon looked around. At his Marshalls. His generals. His officers. And then down at the young private. In a booming voice, Napoleon said “Thank you. . . Captain.”

The young man was flustered and asked “Of what regiment, Sir?”

Napoleon laughed. “Of my personal guard.”

The example of this courageous, young private can be an inspiration for all of us.  

*Source – Billy Sunday, the Man and His Message by William T. Ellis

That’s the dumbest thing I ever heard

On By scottpetersenIn 7th Grade, UncategorizedLeave a comment

We remember. . . . We remember and recall things that happen to us — especially when we were young. Things that our parents may have said. Done. Friends. Strangers. School. And I remember. With clarity. Fast backward – I’m in 7th grade. Mister Noren’s science class. I don’t remember what the topic was but we got on the subject of liquid nitrogen. I’d probably been drawing silly pictures on my papers (that’s another story) when I got a brilliant idea. Soooooo. . . . I raised my hand. . . . .

Let me back up again – just for a moment. I was never much of a student. I rarely raised my hand in class. Rarely studied (my parents both worked so why bother?). Science class for me was like doing algebra with the Cyrillic alphabet. So . . . .

Mister Noren is talking about liquid nitrogen and how it freezes everything it touches. I have a dozen things noodling through my small brain when I had (what I thought) was a brilliant idea. And I raised my hand. The shock of that act probably stunned Mister Noren but he overcame his surprise and pointed at me. “What would happen if doctors injected liquid nitrogen into cancer tumors?” I mean it sounded like a logical question though that notion was not shared. Mister Noren looked at me and said (I believe I’m quoting) “that’s the dumbest thing I ever heard.” And he went on talking about liquid nitrogen.

A few of my friends turned and hooted at me – but as I learned several decades later, there is a cryotherapy treatment that is occasionally used on certain tumors. I regret I didn’t follow up with a medical degree. And a Nobel Prize. . . .

The Seder

On By scottpetersenIn The SederLeave a comment

[A timely repeat from May 4, 2017]  Years ago, I was asked to teach Sunday School at our church.  A September to May obligation.  I said “sure” and was promptly given the 6th grade class.  We had a textbook which I was supposed to use religiously (no pun intended).   But I have to confess that from the beginning I often ad-libbed.  Uh oh – Mister Petersen is going rogue . . . . .

While I stayed with the basics of the curriculum, I took liberty to discuss relevant questions within the context of the day’s chapter.  And I would bring in occasional people and things to enhance the one hour class.  The most memorable improv was when I conducted a Seder at the time of Passover.  I enlisted the help of two Jewish friends for guidance.   One gave me the blue Haggadah (the order of the Seder) which was in English and in Hebrew (I still have it).  And both tutored me in this solemn ritual.  They wanted to make sure I had the protocol down to a tev (or “t”).

Donna helped prepare the kosher meal.  And I set the table in the 6th grade area.  Plates, platters and potables (grape juice instead of wine).   Then the students began to arrive.  They looked around like – whoa! Mister Petersen is off the grid.  And they sat down – and I began with an explanation of Passover.  And the Seder.  And its significance.  And a Passover prayer.  The hour went quickly.  Elijah made his obligatory appearance.  The food was consumed.  And I did the cleanup.  I guess I did okay because the next year I was asked to continue teaching 6th grade Sunday School.  I did so until finally one year I said “no mas.”   

Fast forward twenty plus years.  The Sunday School Seder was long forgotten.  Until we saw some old friends from church.  And their son Eric.  He walked right up to me “hello Mister Petersen!”  And he immediately began to bubble about the Seder being the most memorable time of his Sunday School career.  Gosh.  Kinda makes me wish I hadn’t said “no mas.”      

Just for a Half Hour

On By scottpetersenIn Just for a half hourLeave a comment

[A repeat from August 17, 2019] In July 1970, my college roommate and great friend Ox and I were driving out West in my 1964 Ford Falcon Sprint ragtop.  We were destined for Spokane to drop Ox off at Fairchild AFB for survival training before he was to head off to Viet Nam.   On the way, we were cruising an interstate — approaching Las Vegas from the East. It was probably 1:30 in the morning.  Pitch  dark.  But when we were still 75 miles away, we could see the arched glow of Vegas in the distance.

We drove through Vegas and continued North to Nellis AFB (I was a tag along).  Ox checked us into the base VOQ (visiting officer’s quarters).  Ox – an Air Force second lieutenant; I a retired Boy Scout. It was probably 2:00 a.m. . . . .

On getting to the room and dropping our bags, Ox’s first words were – “let’s go into town.”

My response “Are you kidding?  I’m tired.”  Ox said – “Oh c’mon let’s go in for just a half hour.”  I thought – half hour.  I looked at my watch.  We’d still be back by 3:30 or so.  And so I capitulated. . . . .  Half hour. 

Upon arrival into downtown Las Vegas – we were mesmerized by the famous corner with four casinos.  And we sauntered into the Golden Nugget.   A 25 cent slot machine called my name. . .”Scotty . .  come to me.”  I fished in my pocket and found one quarter.  I put it in, pulled the handle, and bells began ringing.  And lights flashing   I had won a $47.50 jackpot.  I was rich.  I looked at Ox and said “Ox – we’re gonna leave here millionaires.”  

Later on – at around 10:00 a.m. — we drove back to Nellis.  Considerably poorer than we had arrived.  We slept for a few hours and drove on to Reno to try our luck again.  Regrettably, I won no further jackpots.  At least at a casino. . . .

Rocket Man

On By scottpetersenIn Kim Jong UnLeave a comment

[A repeat from September 21, 2017] Kim Jong Un will never be a “hero.”  Kim Jong Un and his two forebears have been monsters that have guzzled the lifeblood of their people.  North Korea is little more than a brutal and dehumanizing gulag posing as a nation.   The poor souls of North Korea are dying like flies.  Starvation.  Illness.  Abuse.  With no care, no concern, no sympathy from the Rocket Man.  Who lives like a god. . . . .

If you want to get a feel for the abyss that is North Korea (beyond The Orphan Master’s Son) there are three TED Talks (12 minutes each) that I would suggest you watch.  Two are offered by Korean women who lived in the North.  One escaped (her tale is captivating).  The other was brought in as a teacher to sons of the elite.   The third is a young man who was orphaned at 13.  And he escaped to China. https://www.ted.com/talks/joseph_kim_the_family_i_lost_in_north_korea_and_the_family_i_gained  and 
https://www.ted.com/talks/suki_kim_this_is_what_it_s_like_to_go_undercover_in_north_korea  and 
https://www.ted.com/talks/hyeonseo_lee_my_escape_from_north_korea  These TED Talks are powerful, incisive and compelling.  They should make you angry . . . .    

How do you deal with incarnate evil that is Kim Jong Un?  He won’t change. It would be nice if China would encourage refugees to cross the river and allow resettlement.  But presently, China captures refugees and sends them back to North Korea where most are then killed.  If China changed this policy, maybe they could be a hero. But at this point, that’s too much to ask. . . . .