Putting my thinking cap on

I tend to ask a lot of questions. I’ve always been this way. It can sometimes get me in trouble. In any event, here’s some of the things I’ve been thinking about and have made me go hmm lately:

—Banks only give money to people who already have some. The people who need money the most are out of luck.

—Speaking of banks, what do does the bank down the corner keep in its vault anymore? Yes, yes, I know they need cold hard cash to match what’s coming and going each day, but when most of transactions are digital nowadays, what’s actually in the bank? Hmm, things we all need to know.

—Christmas is a holiday that’s supposed to be about the gift of a savior. If you focus more on the secular side of things, the overriding theme still focuses on a jolly old saint of a man who makes a list and gives out gifts to good, little boys and girls. But yet, what’s the focus we take away? We get caught up in the gifts we’re going to get, instead of what we’re going to give. Tell me I’m wrong.

Images by Pexels.

—We were out driving and we came upon wreckers cleaning up the last bit of an accident. There were rear break lights lit up for miles. I was amazed by the additional traffic hazard that passersby created. They craned their heads to get a better view of the accident. How does that make sense?

—Here’s the note I saw on an Anniversary Card: “Marriage lets you annoy one special person for the rest of your life.” I considered buying it, but I’ve learned my lessons. I kept looking and moved onto another card.

—The second U.S. President John Adams had the right idea. He stated: “There are two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live.” I got a couple nice sheepskins (diplomas) hanging somewhere around my house, but I’m still working on that second education! I think most of us are in the same situation.

—Speaking of politics, how come politics has become the realm of the rich. This year’s spending to elect a president and members of Congress was estimated to cost at least $15.9 billion, making 2024 the nation’s most expensive federal election of all time, according to a nonpartisan organization that tracks money in politics. Oh, I’m not naive, politics has always been about money. My quick research seems to point to the British Navy in the 1700s for the source of “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” and the mutual exchange of favors. But politicians today have certainly taken it to new levels.

Image by Pexels.

—Romanian-French playwright Eugène Ionesco was one of the foremost figures of the French avant garde theater in the 20th century. I’m thinking he knew a thing or two about being a writer. “A writer never has a vacation. For a writer, life consists of either writing or thinking about writing.”

—When someone says with sincerity, “I trust you” — it’s one of the most calming phrases in the English language.

—There are thirty-one days in December, but it flies by. There are 28 or 29 days in February and it can be as slow as molasses. Oh, I apologize to all the February babies out there. It’s unbelievable to me how the same number of days can feel completely different.

—Santa Claus oozes magical powers. He’s immortal. He can fly through the air with eight tiny reindeer. With the twinkle of his eyes, he can fit through the chimney and then return back to his sleigh. And he magically knows who has been naughty and who has been nice. Really cool stuff. But here’s my question: How is Santa so out of touch that he gave Daddy a Large t-shirt promoting his favorite team, when he should have given him an XX-Large? How could Santa mess up Daddy’s size so badly? Did Santa not see all those extra donuts Daddy’s been scarfing down this year? Inquiring kiddie minds need to know!

Related Stories:

• Things that make me go: Hmm
• An unexpected anniversary present
• When I’m king of the world