troutman37

[troutman37]

Life a tight rope, not a timeline

Someday. It’s a promise we all make ourselves. We’ll do it Someday. Moving forward with that special person into a more relationship. Sure, that’s coming up Someday. The trip to Europe. Or to an exotic beach. Yeah, I’ll do that Someday. Moving to another part of the country? Someday. Writing a book, learning a new craft or hobby, cooking some new and exciting recipes we’ve been wanting to…

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Lives of author and Elon Musk have taken slightly different paths

I like books. And on the rare occasions when I’ve read my comic book until their memorized and all of my coloring books are complete, I break out something more serious. Such was the case recently when I happened upon the biography of Elon Musk. I didn’t know much about Musk, and I thought (while taking a break from my Batman comics) that it might be interesting. It didn’t take me long to…

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Glimpse of Hell provided free of charge to Razorback football fans

During the summer, I was having lunch with a friend. As was so often the case, our conversation turned to college football. The 2024 season was still several weeks away, and fans’ hearts were brimming over with optimism. Well, most fans. If you’re a fan of the Arkansas Razorback football team like I am, optimism looks just a tad different. “Do you know how I can tell if Arkansas is about to…

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Should we be remembered for our strengths, or our weaknesses

“People only think about me in terms of what I’ve done wrong.” It was only a snippet of a conversation. However, I didn’t think it was exactly true. It’s true that sometimes do only remember what we’ve done wrong. Of course, they may have had only one interaction with us. Overall, however, I don’t think I agree. I think most people are going to remember us for what traits we put forth most of…

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Author still awaiting elusive growth spurt

I’ve been waiting. For a long time. I used to think it was a long wait for Christmas . . . at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. But this? THIS? This is like waiting for the mail in hell for a package that’s continually taken to the wrong address. And without enough postage. And when it does finally arrive, I’m three cents short of the postage due, so back it goes. What is THIS exactly? Let me…

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Parent, kids reverse roles following operation

Following a recent surgery, I got a first-hand look on what it's like to have your kids become, in a way, much like a parent.

It seems like just yesterday that I was changing diapers for my kids. First, for my daughter, and then, 10 years later, for my son. I don’t remember any one particular diaper change, they all kind of blend together. However, the diaper change I would have remembered the most would have been the one where my kids changed my diaper. Thankfully, it didn’t come to that. But it felt close. After a…

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C word daunting whether with a capital C or lower-case

It’s something that’s always in the back of our minds. Something we all dread, yet at the same time know it can’t happen to us. We won’t get cancer. That happens to someone else. This time, however, it happened to me. It started innocently enough. I routine annual physical. Deep breath here, let’s take your weight over there. Let’s take a look in your ears (I’m always afraid, the doctor will…

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Common profanity could be blessing in disguise

Today's post is more on the humorous side. I hope you enjoy it.

I’m a very literal person. I should get that out of the way first. Sometimes too literal. So maybe that’s why I’ve always questioned one of the most common bits of profanity in the English language. You know the one. It’s the Biggie. The one that permeates every nook and cranny of society. So there you are, sitting in the drive thru at McDonald’s, waiting your turn so you can pick up your…

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Loss of friend also a loss of family

This is a tribute to and a story of how a met a good friend and father-in-law.

Peewee basketball isn’t usually a remarkable event. Parents cheering for their kids, kids dribbling the ball off their legs more often than they make a basket. However, it was a peewee basketball game that led to a lifetime friend, who changed the course of my life. I was in my 20s and coaching a group of second, third, and fourth graders. It was a Saturday morning and just our second game of…

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Realization of Avoidant Attachment Style puts new perspective on life's events

I haven't written in a while. I wanted to start with a different post, but this issue has been weighing on my mind.

Life can take some funny turns and surprises. Sometimes those surprises are not quite that, well, surprising. And other times, they can be live-changing. I was recently on google. It was one of those panic-inspired, soul-searching episodes brought on by a strong case of the What’s-wrong-with-me-itis. If you’ve ever been driven to the internet in a frenzy like that, you might know that these…

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Crisis? Or opportunity?

I love watching the sunrise on my morning runs – it gives me hope for the coming day!

“At every crossroads there are at least two choices: to view your circumstances as a calamity, or to view it as an incredible opportunity.” from the book Chop Wood, Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf.

I was fortunate to read this book last week, and the timing couldn’t have been better.

How could I, how could any of…

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Just for fun

Look what I dusted off the shelf! My blog! It’s back, well at least sort of.

I’ve been working on a children’s story, and thought I’d share a portion of it on a day when uncertainty and apprehension seem to be the norm.

This is still a work in progress, but would love to hear some feedback. It’s from a story called “Reece and the Great Penguin Race.”

Mr. Plunderdunk whipped the brightly covered…

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The Best 3 Minutes of the Day

The Best 3 Minutes of the Day

What can you do in just 3 minutes?

I’ve been asking myself that question a lot lately.

This looks EXACTLY like our usual breakfast – only different!

It’s really hard to think of much. Read a newspaper article? Maybe, if it’s short. Take a quick shower? We often have to do that, what with us living in a house that seems remarkably uninfested by hot water.

Boil some water. Walk out to the mailbox.…

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Eclipse can't block long arm of the law

Eclipse can’t block long arm of the law

The buildup for the eclipse had been building up all summer, and we were more susceptible than most. It had all the elements for an event that we would enjoy: the sun, the moon, staring longingly at the sky. Oh, and some really gnarly sun glasses that I thought were broke because I couldn’t see ANYTHING with them on. My son and I began talking about the eclipse early in the summer, and just how…

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Dog's Unusual Name Causes Confusion

Dog’s Unusual Name Causes Confusion

In honor of my aunt Shirley who passed away last week, I’m re-posting one of my most popular blog posts. I hope you enjoy. Several years ago, my wife, daughter, and I lived in a small town next to a church, where I served as the youth director. One day, we found a beautiful border collie. Actually, she found us, because she just appeared at our house one day. We mistakenly thought the dog…

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Just a moment

“What two colors make cyan,” I asked. Not your typical question at the dinner table, but my son and I were at Chili’s and were playing Trivia Crack on my phone. “It’s sigh-uhn,” said my son, emphasizing the second syllable. “Yes, that’s right,” I said, missing his point. “What two colors make sigh-ann?” I asked again. “It’s pronounced sigh-uhn,” my son said matter-of-factly, as he dipped another…

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I Eat 3 Filet-O-Fish Sandwiches a Year . . . Whether I Want To or Not

I Eat 3 Filet-O-Fish Sandwiches a Year . . . Whether I Want To or Not

Bears know when to hibernate, fish know when to shed their skin, and cats know when to use the bathroom in your suitcase (well, mine does). Nature has equipped creatures around the world with an internal clock to know when to do IMPORTANT STUFF. I’m no exception. Nature has given me an invaluable gift – the ability to know exactly when I should eat a Filet-O-Fish sandwich. And that time is at…